In a highly anticipated showdown, Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol by majority decision to become the undisputed light-heavyweight world champion in Saudi Arabia.
Bivol, 33, controlled the early rounds with sharp movement and combinations, but Beterbiev, 39, fought back with relentless pressure and power.
Judges scored the close contest 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev, making him the division’s first undisputed champion since 2002 and the first ever in the four-belt era.
Bivol suffered his first career defeat, while Beterbiev modestly acknowledged room for improvement despite his historic victory. Calls for a rematch are already growing in the wake of the thrilling fight.
