Beterbiev crowned light-heavyweight undisputed world champion after Bivol win (2024)

13th Oct 2024, 01:04By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: REACTION

Right, that's it from us this evening as Artur Beterbiev is crowned the undisputed champion of the light-heavyweight division.

It was arguably the fight of the year as Dmitry Bivol and he put on a spectacle.

In the end, it was too hard to call for one judge, but two others decided that Beterbiev was the winner, and he claimed the victory via majority decision.

It's a controversial result, and there is sure to be plenty of reaction around it.

As well as the main event, the undercard served up some great action, including Fabio Wardley's brutal first-round KO of Frazer Clarke.

We hope you enjoyed the coverage, and we will see you again soon.

In the meantime, here is the report from the fight.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol both welcome immediate rematch after divisive decision

12th Oct 2024, 00:57By Jack Cunningham

Rematch

After seeing that unbelievable encounter, thoughts are quickly turning to a rematch.

Both men were asked about the prospect, and they made it clear they would fight again.

Speaking after he was crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world, Artur Beterbiev was asked if he would face Dmitry Bivol again.

To this, he said: "If his excellency wants, we will do."

Bivol was also asked the same question, and he said: "Why not, it is my dream to be undisputed."

12th Oct 2024, 00:53By Jack Cunningham

Judges' scorecards

The official judges' scorecards for Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol have been released.

The fight was scored 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev, who is now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

They show that Manuel Oliver Palomo scored the fight a draw, with Glenn Feldman having it as close but in Beterbiev's favour.

But Pawel Kardyni, believed that Bivol only won four rounds, which whatever you look at it, isn't right.

12th Oct 2024, 00:41By Jack Cunningham

Gracious in defeat

Understandably, Dmitry Bivol was left heartbroken at the end of his sensational encounter against Artur Beterbiev, which saw the latter crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

The 33-year-old was dealt his first career defeat at the age of 33 in controversial circumstances.

One judge scored the fight a draw, while the others had Bivol losing by a distance, which wasn't the case.

However, when asked about it after the fight, the Russian didn't put blame on anyone.

He said: "I don't have any explanations because it could look like excuses.

"I just say congratulations to Artur and his team, he deserves it.

"No problem. I did my job, I always feel I could be better, it's just the opinions of judges. Congratulations Artur."

12th Oct 2024, 00:34By Jack Cunningham

'I did not good today'

Artur Beterbiev is the new undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

The 39-year-old claimed the victory over Dmitry Bivol via majority decision, though it was somewhat controversial.

This because two of the scorecards make it look as if Bivol was nowhere, when in reality, he was fantastic.

Even when speaking after his victory, it was clear that Beterbiev wasn't that convinced about his performance.

He said: "I feel not bad. I did not good today.

"I'll be better one day. It was a little bit uncomfortable.

"Dmitry has good skills. He's better than me, but Allah chose me.

"I thought I had won, but it was uncomfortable because I am usually not waiting for the bell."

12th Oct 2024, 00:16By Jack Cunningham

'It's absolutely disgusting'

Eddie Hearn was left fuming with the decision to award Artur Beterbiev the majority decision to take the undisputed light-heavyweight title.

One of the judges scored Dmitry Bivol four points less than his fellow Russian, which is what particularly angered Hearn.

Hearn, who represents Bivol, believes that the fight should have been a draw or that Bivol won.

Speaking to DAZN after the fight, Hearn didn't hold back.

He said: "It's absolutely disgusting.

"Top rank knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I am baffled and disgusted.

"He [Bivol] boxed beautifully tonight, and that judge should never work again.

"That score is beyond ridiculous."

12th Oct 2024, 23:59By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Beterbiev crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world

The judges say that Artur Beterbiev is the winner!

The Russian is crowned the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

His record moves to 21-0, while Bivol is dealt his first defeat at 33, but that was a stunning performance from both men.

In the end, the scores were 114-114, 115-113, 116-112, which having watched the fight, feels as if they perhaps underestimated Bivol's contribution.

Stay with us for all the reaction.

12th Oct 2024, 23:48By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 12

To the judges' scorecards we go to decide the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world!

Dmitry Bivol becomes the first man to not be knocked out by Artur Beterbiev and take him all the way, and it brings an end to what has to be a contender for the fight of the year!

Beterbiev knew he had to get a knockout to guarantee the win, which he didn't manage.

So, now there is a nervous wait for who will be crowned the winner...

12th Oct 2024, 23:42By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 11

After hearing that message from his corner, Artur Beterbiev flies out of the blocks.

He slams in a succession of brutal blows.

Dmitry Bivol looks to be wobbling as Beterbiev comes on and strong.

But Bivol survives, despite taking some massive punches that would have floored pretty much anyone.

To the last round we go!

12th Oct 2024, 23:39By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 10

Artur Beterbiev immediately looks more aggressive.

He goes back to dominating the centre of the ring and uses his jab to good affect.

Both men appear to have saved some energy for the final rounds, showing their intelligence.

But if there is anyone who looks better as the round ends, it's Dmitry Bivol.

He decides to let fly once more and forces Beterbiev to defend himself, but Beterbiev also lands some heavy shots right at the end.

But Beterbiev's corner tell him he must knock Bivol out.

12th Oct 2024, 23:35By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol- Round 9

Again, Artur Beterbiev is happier to ease off.

He still looks to take the centre of the ring, but Dmitry Bivol lands a great left hook.

Beterbiev responds with a big right into the body, which Bivol replies with through a quick one to the body and then back to the head.

The 33-year-old decides to let his hands go for a bit and lands plenty of them.

But before he can maybe over-commit, he decides to ease off and take the sting out of Beterbiev's momentum to probably claim that round.

12th Oct 2024, 23:32By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 8

Round eight starts quite casually, as both men look to work their way into it.

Dmitry Bivol again claims the centre of the ring after a cagey start, but he doesn't throw many punches.

This brings Artur Beterbiev back into it, but he also seems reluctant to let his hands go.

Instead, he sits in and looks to use the jab.

Bivol also manages to drop a left hook that would have took his head clean off.

And once again, the round ends with a mighty slug fest.

This is an excellent fight, who knows who is going to win.

12th Oct 2024, 23:27By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 7

Chants of 'Artur, Artur, Artur', ring around the stadium as Dmitry Bivol regains the centre of the ring at the start of the round.

He suddenly looks much more lively than he did in the last two rounds.

Bivol then decides to unleash a combination of strikes that do make contact.

Bivol then slams a brutal right hook into Beterbiev's face, and the response from his fellow Russian is lethal, as he ends the round very strongly with a succession of dangerous blows.

Beterbiev is told by his corner that 'we have him'.

12th Oct 2024, 23:23By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol- Round 6

Artur Beterbiev starts the round with a brutal right hook around the gloves into Dmitry Bivol.

He follows that up with a good body shot.

Bivol spends a bit of time just moving around the ring without throwing too many punches, and Beterbiev gets a few more shots in.

But the 33-year-old comes into the fight a bit more towards the end of the round.

He then decides to hold onto Beterbiev near the end before getting one last jab in.

Another very close round.

12th Oct 2024, 23:19By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 5

Dmitry Bivol realises that he can't be forced onto the ropes and let Artur Beterbiev take control.

So, he starts this round well with a succession of good jabs, and crucially, blocks.

Bivol does well to keep exchanging blows, but Beterbiev might sense some tiredness in his opponent.

He slams a couple of combinations into Bivol's body as the round ends, and they look to have rocked the Russian.

12th Oct 2024, 23:15By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 4

Artur Beterbiev looks to to try and push Dmitry Bivol onto the ropes.

Bivol has managed to avoid that so far, but he's gradually getting him closer to the side.

However, Bivol lands a couple of nice jabs, while Beterbiev is starting to get more shots through himself.

That right hook of Beterbiev is a dangerous weapon, and this could be a turning point in the fight because Beterbiev lands some great shots on Bivol near the end of the round.

That is probably the 39-year-old's first round.

12th Oct 2024, 23:11By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 3

Artur Beterbiev looks to open up and unleash that ridiculous power he possesses.

But Dmitry Bivol does well to avoid a few wild swings and lands some jabs of his own.

Beterbiev goes again, and Bivol lands a quick one-two to the temple, which draws a huge reaction from his corner.

This sees the two open up, and Beterbiev gets a couple of huge shots through the defences before the two exchange in a brief slug fest.

These two aren't disappointing so far.

12th Oct 2024, 23:07By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 2

Dmitry Bivol is doing well to get in behind his jab, and he's landing it without over-committing himself.

This is allowing Bivol to stay on his toes and manoeuvre Artur Beterbiev around the ring.

He lands a good left hook on his fellow Russian, which Beterbiev shrugs off.

Beterbiev responds and starts to push Bivol back, but the light heavyweight is moving around the ring and lands some excellent counter-punches at the end of the round.

12th Oct 2024, 23:03By Jack Cunningham

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol - Round 1

Immediately, Artur Beterbiev takes the middle of the ring.

He looks top put Dmitry Bivol on the back foot with a succession of jabs.

Bivol responds well and manages to get in a few punches.

However, both men are clearly happy to just use the jab in the first round and not over-commit to anything.

Also, it seems as if Beterbiev's knee is absolutely fine, and he's moving around the ring nicely.

But the round ends brilliantly as both men let fly a little bit and connect with hooks.

What a great round!

12th Oct 2024, 22:55By Jack Cunningham

Finally...

Michael Buffer is in place, and here come the two men for the main event.

Artur Beterbiev is first out.

Her doesn't hang around, and he's not wearing anything fancy.

Instead, he's just got a white t-shirt on, but he looks raring to go.

Dmitry Bivol is next out, and again, he's not wearing anything special and basically runs into the ring.

You have to respect that these two men aren't bothered about long ring walks, they just want to get in there and fight.

12th Oct 2024, 22:48By Jack Cunningham

Beterbiev vs Bivol

The weigh-in for Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol took place yesterday, and it passed by without any real drama.

The limit is 175lbs, and Beterbiev came in at 174.96.

Bivol slightly lighter at 174.12.

So, they are evenly matched in weight, they both have unbeaten records, and they both have the chance to become the undisputed champion of the light-heavyweight division.

It's really all set up to be a belter of a scrap.

12th Oct 2024, 22:41By Jack Cunningham

Beterbiev vs Bivol

We should have the main fight very soon.

But before we get to the action that people want to watch, we have had a fireworks display, a new globe has been revealed and now there is a concert of some sort.

Earlier in the night, we also had Turki Alashikh giving away a Mercedes G-Wagon to a random member of the crowd.

It's all just filler, when all anyone actually wants to see is two of the 21st centuries greatest boxers meet in the ring.

12th Oct 2024, 22:33By Jack Cunningham

Beterbiev's power

If someone has 20 knockouts from 20 fights, it's pretty clear they've got serious power.

But he was even dropped Oleksandr Usyk, which doesn't happen - unless it's a low blow, of course.

The duo met three times as amateurs in which Beterbiev dropped the heavyweight champion of the world.

They actually met three times, and you can read more about that here.

Artur Beterbiev's awesome power knocked down Oleksandr Usyk in famous amateur trilogy

12th Oct 2024, 22:15By Jack Cunningham

Beterbiev's knee

Artur Beterbiev is a killer in the ring, but you have to remember that this fight was meant to take place earlier in the year.

The only reason it didn't was because the Russian suffered a knee injury.

The current IBF, WBC, and WBO champion suffered a meniscus issue, which he claims he's fully recovered from.

However, at the media warm-ups, many people noticed that Beterbiev wasn't moving that freely.

So, that's going to be a big thing tonight.

If there is even the slightest issue with the knee, Dmitry Bivol will be all over it, and we might not get the blockbuster that we are all expecting.

12th Oct 2024, 22:05By Jack Cunningham

Beterbiev vs Bivol

Okay, attention is all now on Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Both men are unbeaten and have faced some incredible fighters down the years.

This is a bout to decide the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world.

Beterbiev has a 20-0 record, with 20 knockouts, so if the fight doesn't go all the way, you would think he would be the winner.

Meanwhile, Bivol's record is 23-0, with 11 knockouts, so he's not as powerful, but he can go all the way.

It's just such a great fight, and it's coming up very soon.