On Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Artur Beterbiev achieved victory against Dmitry Bivol by a majority decision, claiming the unified light heavyweight championship.
At the age of 39, Beterbiev showcased his powerful punches, leaving Bivol’s face badly swollen beneath his left eye. Although 33-year-old Bivol displayed quick strikes as well, he struggled to avoid Beterbiev’s powerful blows.
“He’s got great power, very powerful,” Bivol noted.
Beterbiev connected with 90 power punches compared to Bivol’s 86, according to DAZN. However, Beterbiev remarked, “Today I’m lucky, too.”
The judges scored the match 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112.
This defeat marked Bivol’s first loss, as his record fell to 23-1, while Beterbiev improved to 21-0, although he did not achieve a knockout for the first time in his career.
Beterbiev entered the ring holding the IBF, WBC, and WBO world light heavyweight championship titles, while Bivol was the WBA world light heavyweight champion.
Could there be an Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II?
The two boxers, both originally from Russia, showed interest in having a rematch.
“If his Excellency wishes, we can make it happen,” Beterbiev said, referencing Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and a significant boxing matchmaker.
Bivol expressed his eagerness as well, stating, “Why not? If I get the chance, yes, it’s my dream to become the undisputed champion.”
Insights from Artur Beterbiev
Beterbiev acknowledged the challenge of the bout, stating, “Of course it’s tough, because Dmitry is a world champion too. He has great skills, possibly better than mine.”
“But today,” he added, raising his boxing gloves, “Allah chose me.”
Dmitry Bivol’s Reflections
Post-fight, Bivol offered his congratulations.
“I am a warrior,” he stated. “I must execute everything perfectly. I have no explanation because it would sound like excuses. I simply want to congratulate Artur and his team. He deserved it.”
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Majority Decision Win for Beterbiev
Round-by-Round Breakdown
The fight was scheduled for 12 rounds.
Round 1: Bivol starts strong with quick jabs, while Beterbiev uses his jab less effectively. Both fighters are warming up, with Bivol landing a left hook. Bivol follows up a left with a right. Beterbiev increases his pace, but Bivol ends the round strong. Bivol: 10, Beterbiev: 9.
Round 2: Beterbiev quickly gets into the action behind his jab, with Bivol responding assertively. Beterbiev is on the hunt but is unable to capitalize due to Bivol’s excellent footwork. Bivol: 20, Beterbiev: 18.
Round 3: Beterbiev comes out aggressively again. Bivol sticks with his jab and goes on the offense. The two exchange punches, with Beterbiev exhibiting his power. Bivol: 29, Beterbiev: 28.
Round 4: Beterbiev grows more confident but Bivol counters effectively. Bivol neutralizes Beterbiev’s advances with precise punches and a strong guard. The round sees a clash of styles. Bivol: 39, Beterbiev: 37.
Round 5: Beterbiev stalks Bivol, who stands his ground in the center of the ring. Bivol lands a solid right, momentarily energizing Beterbiev. Beterbiev throws jabs but struggles to connect, while Bivol takes a body shot and responds fiercely. Bivol: 48, Beterbiev: 47.
Round 6: The fighters engage in the center of the ring, but Beterbiev quickly asserts dominance with a right punch. Bivol stays mobile, landing several combinations to the body, though Beterbiev makes his presence felt. The round concludes with both fighters showcasing their skills. Beterbiev: 57, Bivol: 57.
Round 7: Bivol opens with an overhand right, yet it doesn’t seriously affect Beterbiev. Bivol continues to move and score hits, but Beterbiev’s aggressive comeback has Bivol pinned against the ropes, where he lands some heavy punches. Beterbiev: 67, Bivol: 66.
Round 8: Both fighters are at center stage again, with Bivol making a move—and receiving a jab in return. Support for Bivol rises, yet he needs more than just encouragement as Beterbiev increases his intensity. Bivol shows resilience, finishing the round strong. Beterbiev: 76, Bivol: 76.
Round 9: Bivol aggressively pursues Beterbiev, who throws jabs but finds himself on the defense. Bivol successfully lands a hard left and a series of body shots. Bivol’s footwork remains sharp as he counterattacks effectively. Bivol: 86, Beterbiev: 85.
Round 10: Beterbiev takes the initiative with a right leading, forcing Bivol to retreat. Beterbiev blocks many of Bivol’s blows while increasing his offensive frequency. Crowds cheer for Bivol, who lands a strong combination. Beterbiev has a significant flurry at the end, leaving the round on a high note. Bivol: 95, Beterbiev: 95.
Round 11: Beterbiev advances as both fighters find their spots in the ring. Bivol lands a solid right on Beterbiev, who continues pressing forward. Beterbiev gains momentum, backing Bivol up and unleashing punches with both hands. Bivol fights back while trapped and tries to defend against Beterbiev’s onslaught. Current scores are Beterbiev 105, Bivol 104.
Round 12: Bivol’s left eye shows significant swelling. Beterbiev appears strong and concentrated. In contrast, Bivol seems hesitant, yet he stands firm and launches a flurry of his own punches. Beterbiev methodically pursues, throwing rights. He begins to dominate, although Bivol makes every effort to respond until the round ends. Scores reflect Beterbiev 115, Bivol 113.
Michael Buffer is ready in the ring
Are you ready for the action? Almost there! When Michael Buffer announces, the boxers make their grand entrances. Beterbiev enters the ring, followed closely by Bivol.
World Titles: Beterbiev vs. Bivol
Bivol is the reigning WBA light heavyweight champion, while Beterbiev holds the WBC, WBO, and IBF light heavyweight titles.
Musical Performances by Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Ciara
It’s not just the boxers who are making an entrance at Kingdom Arena. The stage is alive with performances from Ciara, Busta Rhymes, and Missy Elliott, who entertain the audience with a short concert prior to the main event featuring Artur Beterbiev against Dmitry Bivol. To add to the excitement, a spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky before the performances.
Update on Frazer Clarke’s Injury After Fight with Fabio Wardley
After a thorough evaluation at the hospital post-fight, Frazer Clarke was found to have a fractured cheekbone following his first-round knockout against Fabio Wardley, according to promoter Frank Warren’s report to DAZN.
The injury was likely sustained from a powerful right hand that delivered the decisive blow in their heavyweight clash.
Fabio Wardley Defeats Frazer Clarke by TKO
Wardley concluded the heavyweight contest in the first round with a strong right that not only knocked Clarke down but also left him needing oxygen.
The fight ended with a series of punches, and the referee stopped the match with just 32 seconds remaining in the round.
After taking Wardley’s final punch, Clarke dropped to his right knee and remained in the corner while medical personnel provided him with oxygen for several moments. He eventually got to his feet, found Wardley, and they shared a moment. This victory marked Wardley’s 17th knockout in 18 fights.
This fight was a rematch from March, which concluded in a split draw.
Wardley, a 29-year-old fighter from Britain, improved to a record of 18-0-1, while Clarke, aged 33, fell to 8-1-1.
Heavyweight Match: Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke
This fight was scheduled for 12 rounds.
Round 1: The heavyweights started with jabs. Clarke fired back with right hands. They got tangled, allowing Clarke to land a few punches. Wardley then unleashed a series of strikes that sent Clarke to the canvas! It seemed to be over for Clarke, whose jaw appeared misaligned—possibly due to that powerful right.
Clarke was in his corner receiving oxygen.
Jai Opetaia Defeats Jack Massey by TKO
In their cruiserweight matchup, Opetaia unleashed an overwhelming number of punches, leading Massey’s corner to throw in the towel in the sixth round.
Massey faced blood from his nose and around his eye, and after he spat out blood, the referee agreed to stop the fight upon the corner’s request.
Opetaia, a 29-year-old Australian, retained his IBF world cruiserweight title and upped his record to 26-0, while Massey, a 31-year-old British fighter, fell to 22-3.
Cruiserweight Match: Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey
This fight was also scheduled for 12 rounds.
Round 1: Opetaia pursued Massey while Massey sought to counterattack. Opetaia pushed Massey into a corner, landing effective hits. Massey tried to circle out but was slow to escape Opetaia’s punches. Despite Massey landing some strikes, Opetaia controlled the round. Opetaia scored 10, Massey 9.
Round 2: Massey started the round on the offensive. Opetaia retaliated with a strong right hook, keeping his left lead effective. Massey fought back, but Opetaia managed to push him into a corner again. Scores read Opetaia 20, Massey 18.
Round 3: Massey caught Opetaia off guard early, but Opetaia quickly increased his aggression. After a right counter from Massey, he was hit with three successive punches from Opetaia. The round ended with Opetaia scoring as he cornered Massey once more. Opetaia 30, Massey 27.
Round 4: Massey’s face showed visible swelling and he had blood streaming from his nose. Sensing an opportunity, Opetaia pressed forward relentlessly. Massey attempted to counter but not effectively enough. Scores were Opetaia 40, Massey 36.
Round 5: Opetaia shoved Massey back into the corner, demonstrating his confidence and continued aggression. Massey fought back, but Opetaia seemed unstoppable, with more blood pouring from Massey’s nose. Opetaia now leads 50 to 45.
Round 6: Opetaia landed a series of combinations. Massey showed some life despite his bleeding. However, Opetaia kept pounding away until Massey’s corner threw in the towel! The fight concluded with Opetaia as the victor.
Chris Eubank Jr. Defeats Kamil Szeremeta by TKO
Eubank delivered four knockdowns against Szeremeta, finishing the match in the seventh round with a devastating body shot.
After the last knockdown, the referee called an end to the one-sided battle.
Eubank, 35 years old from Britain, raised his record to 34-3 and is now prepared to face Conor Benn, a former two-time champion.
Just after the fight concluded, Benn entered the ring for a verbal exchange with Eubank that continued after the fight’s outcome was announced.
Szeremeta, also 35 but hailing from Poland, dropped to a record of 25-3.
Middleweight Fight: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta
This matchup was scheduled for 12 rounds.
Round 1: Eubank quickly established his jab, adding a left hook and right that sent Szeremeta to the canvas! Szeremeta managed to recover and attempted to tie Eubank up. Once free, Eubank resumed his assault with both hands. Szeremeta fought back with a shot that staggered Eubank, but Eubank regained composure as the round ended. Score: Eubank 10, Szeremeta 8.
Round 2: Szeremeta, He may have been knocked down, but he’s still in the fight. He started actively in the round but found it hard to keep up with Eubank, who landed a powerful uppercut. Eubank continued to pummel, but Szeremeta retaliated. Eubank: 20, Szeremeta: 17.
Round 3: Eubank stays aggressive while Szeremeta fights back. Eubank is stable on his feet but suffers a cut above his right eyebrow from an accidental headbutt. Szeremeta pulls Eubank down to the canvas, but that’s not a knockdown he needed. Eubank: 30, Szeremeta: 26.
Round 4: Eubank continues to dominate, pushing Szeremeta back with his punches. Szeremeta withstands the onslaught and even connects with a couple of shots, but it doesn’t deter Eubank. Eubank: 40, Szeremeta: 35.
Round 5: Both fighters land punches to the head at the same time. Szeremeta delivers some strong blows in his best round yet, but Eubank finishes strong with another powerful right hand. Eubank: 50, Szeremeta: 44.
Round 6: Szeremeta strikes with a powerful right, but Eubank counters with a barrage, knocking Szeremeta down again! It’s the second time in the match that Szeremeta hits the canvas, this time from a right hand by Eubank. Still, he gets back up to finish the round. Eubank: 60, Szeremeta: 53.
Round 7: Eubank unleashes a barrage and knocks Szeremeta to the ground with a right! That’s three times! Szeremeta gets up, but Eubank continues the assault. Another knockdown occurs as the referee calls off the fight. Eubank wins by TKO.
Skye Nicolson def. Raven Chapman by unanimous decision
Nicolson successfully defended her WBC featherweight title and improved her record to 12-0 with a clear victory over Chapman.
A 29-year-old from Australia, Nicolson skillfully evaded Chapman’s advances and struck back effectively with her signature left hand throughout the 10-round lightweight match.
The judges scored the bout 99-91, 98-92, and 98-92 in favor of Nicolson.
Chapman, a 30-year-old from Britain, fought aggressively but couldn’t land enough shots, resulting in her record dropping to 9-1.
Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman, featherweight
Scheduled for 10 rounds
Round 1: Chapman starts quickly, using her foot speed to throw jabs. Nicolson lands a strong left and cleverly avoids Chapman’s right, returning with a punch of her own. Nicolson: 10, Chapman: 9.
Round 2: Chapman again takes the initiative, but her punches often miss as Nicolson skillfully dodges. Nicolson finally connects with a solid right towards the end of the round. Nicolson: 19, Chapman: 19.
Round 3: Chapman lands some early shots, but Nicolson responds with a series of effective strikes to take control. Nicolson: 29, Chapman: 28.
Round 4: Nicolson starts landing left punches, including straights and hooks, while avoiding a big right from Chapman. Nicolson counters with a left after Chapman charges. Nicolson: 39, Chapman: 37.
Round 5: Nicolson keeps the distance, landing selective rights, while Chapman struggles to engage effectively. Chapman does manage a right but takes a few hits at the round’s close. Nicolson: 49, Chapman: 46.
Round 6: Nicolson continues to evade Chapman’s advances, landing more punches. Nicolson: 59, Chapman: 55.
Round 7: The pattern continues with Nicolson landing the majority of the punches despite a less active round. Nicolson: 69, Chapman: 64.
Round 8: Chapman pushes forward while Nicolson retreats but still lands more shots, absorbing a couple of late punches from Chapman. Nicolson: 79, Chapman: 73.
Round 9: Chapman connects with a right but lacks the knockout power she desperately needs. She makes another right connection but swings and misses a big shot. Nicolson seems content to maintain her lead. Nicolson: 88, Chapman: 83.
Round 10: Chapman seeks a KO and moves forward, but walks into several punches from Nicolson. Nicolson avoids Chapman effectively, dominating the round. Nicolson: 98, Chapman: 92.
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron, technical split draw
After the fifth round, both Whittaker and Cameron fell over the ropes. Whittaker was taken away in a wheelchair, ending the light heavyweight clash before the judges could score it.
The outcome was ruled a technical draw. One judge scored it 58-57 for Whittaker while another also scored it 58-57.
Whittaker, a 27-year-old from Britain, has a record of 8-0-1, while Cameron, 33 years old, stands at 23-6-1.
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron, light heavyweight
Scheduled for 10 rounds
Round 1: Whittaker asserts himself early, landing jabs on Cameron’s face. Cameron misses a wide left swing repeatedly. Whittaker shows solid defense and remains active and accurate with his punches. Whittaker: 10, Cameron: 9.
Round 2: Cameron comes out aggressively, throwing jabs and landing combos on Whittaker. They trade punches with Whittaker showing speed and Cameron demonstrating power. Whittaker: 20, Cameron: 18.
Round 3: Whittaker scores a significant right early on. Cameron counters with a left, pushing Whittaker back. More power shots come from Cameron. Whittaker: 29, Cameron: 28.
Round 4: Whittaker keeps showcasing his precision, while Cameron presses forward with heavy shots, including a series to Whittaker’s head and body. Whittaker: 38, Cameron: 38.
Round 5: Whittaker unleashes a rapid succession of punches, while Cameron counters with a left hook. As Whittaker presses forward, he draws blood from Cameron’s nose. Whittaker is warned for low blows as Cameron ends the round strong, pressing Whittaker against the ropes. Both fighters tumble over the ropes and out of the ring! They both appear hurt, with Cameron recovering and Whittaker lying on his back, seemingly with a right leg injury, and unable to continue. Cameron: 48, Whittaker: 47.
Mohammed Alakel def. Jesus Gonzalez by unanimous decision
“Mighty” Mohammed Alakel from Saudi Arabia made an impressive debut. Exhibiting a powerful left and a strong right, Alakel maintained control throughout the four-round lightweight match.
All judges scored the bout 40-36.
Gonzalez, hailing from Colombia, falls to 3-3, while Alakel improves to 1-0.
Marco Maric def. Christian Flores by unanimous decision
Flores faced his 26th consecutive loss, this time against Maric, who was making his professional debut in a four-round super welterweight bout.
All judges scored it 40-36 in favor of Maric, but Flores’ enduring record stands out more than the fight itself.
32-year-old from Mexico’s record has dropped to 14-46-2, while Maric, who hails from Switzerland and resides in California, now stands at 1-0.
When is the fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol?
The match between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will take place this Saturday.
What time does the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight start?
The preliminary fights begin at 9 a.m. ET, with Beterbiev and Bivol expected to enter the ring around 6 p.m. ET.
How to watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol
You can catch the fight on ESPN+ and DAZN.
What is the cost for the pay-per-view of Beterbiev vs. Bivol?
Accessing the main event requires an ESPN+ subscription with no extra charges. However, watching the undercard on DAZN will cost $19.99, along with a DAZN subscription.
Where is the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight taking place?
The fight will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Has Dmitry Bivol defeated Canelo Alvarez?
No, Floyd Mayweather Jr. also achieved a victory over Canelo in 2013 via majority decision.
Is there a possibility of a Canelo Alvarez vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch?
Until September, momentum for a “Bivol vs. Canelo 2” was lacking. However, after Canelo’s win over Edgar Berlanga, he showed interest in a rematch with Bivol, the only boxer besides Mayweather to defeat him. Alvarez lost to Bivol by unanimous decision in a light heavyweight bout in 2022. A rematch will depend partly on Bivol’s performance against Artur Beterbiev this Saturday.
Predictions for Beterbiev vs. Bivol
Anson Wainwright, The Ring: “Beterbiev will gradually apply pressure and start to assert himself in the latter half of the fight. As we approach the championship rounds, Bivol may become fatigued, and Beterbiev could secure a late TKO victory, similar to how he defeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk.” Prediction: Beterbiev by TKO in the 10th round.
Tom Gray, The Sporting News: “I’m backing Bivol because he appears to be the fresher fighter and more difficult to hit clearly. Beterbiev’s body seems to be deteriorating, and he will turn 40 in January, whereas Bivol is still in his prime at 33.” Prediction: Bivol by unanimous decision.
Brian Fonseca, Action Network: “Bivol is more balanced and can handle the ongoing pressure from his older opponent, who faced delays for this match due to meniscus surgery.” Prediction: Bivol by decision.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol undercard fights
Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clark, heavyweight
Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey, cruiserweight for the IBF title
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta, middleweight
Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman, featherweight for the WBC title
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron, light heavyweight
Mohammed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez, lightweight
Marco Maric vs. Christian Flores, super welterweight
What is the height of Artur Beterbiev?
6 feet 0 inches
What is the height of Dmitry Bivol?
6 feet 0 inches
Weight of Artur Beterbiev
174.9 pounds at the weigh-in.
Weight of Dmitry Bivol
174.12 pounds at the weigh-in.
What are the odds for Beterbiev vs. Bivol?
Bet365: Bivol -125, Beterbiev +110
DraftKings: Bivol -145, Beterbiev +120
BetMGM: Bivol -125, Beterbiev +110
Caesars Sportsbook: Bivol -120, Beterbiev +100
