Dmitry Bivol defeats Artur Beterbiev in a split-points choice to assert light-heavyweight world title in Saudi Arabia.
Russian Dmitry Bivol avenged a earlier defeat to take the undisputed light-heavyweight world title from Artur Beterbiev on a majority factors choice in an epic rematch in Saudi Arabia.
The judges scored Sunday’s battle in Riyadh 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113.
The earlier encounter final October, when each went toe-to-toe as unbeaten champions, ended with precisely the identical rating however to Russian-born Canadian Beterbiev who added the WBA belt to his WBC, WBO and IBF ones.
This time, Bivol, 34, was higher on the night time, shifting up a gear and taking the battle to his bearded older opponent, now 40, with dedication and stylish combos.
The 1-1 end result opens the way in which to an inevitable third conflict between the 2.
“Really, I didn’t need the second battle, it wasn’t my alternative, however no downside. We’re going to do a 3rd battle,” Beterbiev, who didn’t shake Bivol’s hand, mentioned within the ring after the scores have been introduced.
Bivol mentioned he was up for any problem however wanted a relaxation after his exertions.
“I need to heal myself a little bit bit and are available again,” mentioned the Russian, who ended the battle with blood streaming from the highest of his left eye.
“I didn’t have as a lot stress like final time. I simply wished to work from the primary spherical till the top of the twelfth. I did sufficient and I gained this.
“I used to be higher, I used to be pushing myself extra, I used to be extra assured, I used to be lighter and I simply wished to win a lot right now.”
Bivol had the higher of his opponent over the primary three rounds, however the champion discovered his rhythm within the fourth in a livelier battle than the primary one however nonetheless with little to separate the 2.
On the remaining bell, neither boxer may make sure of the result, each ready for the scores to be learn with out celebrating prematurely.
“I don’t need to speak concerning the choice – it’s robust. Congratulations to Bivol’s crew,” mentioned Beterbiev, who may declare the ultimate spherical.
“I believed this battle was higher than the primary battle, however we’ll see. Now’s my time to come back again.”
Earlier, three-times world champion Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC light-weight title after stopping stand-in Josh Padley, a British electrician who had three days to organize for the battle, on the finish of 9 rounds.
Former WBO world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker stopped one other late substitute Martin Bakole in two rounds of their WBO Interim bout.
