IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) won a 12-round majority decision over WBA champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) to capture the championship undisputed at 175 lb. Saturday night. at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The scores for Beterbiev were 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112. I had it 115-113 for Bivol.
In the first round, Bivol used an effective jab, while Beterbiev had a right on the chin in the final punch. Once Bivol.
In the second round, Bivol took the first minute, but in the middle of the end of the round, Beterbiev took over. In the third round, Bivol came back well, landing driving rights to the chin on several occasions. Beterbiev had trouble with Bivol’s hand speed. Once Bivol.
In the fourth round, Bivol landed combinations, while Beterbiev landed one punch at a time. Bivol’s turn. In the fifth round, it was all Beterbiev landing more than one at a time. In the sixth round, Beterbiev got in body shots, which was a good round for him.
In the seventh round, Bivol kept ahead of Beterbiev, outboxing. Midway Bivol landed five unanswered punches. Again, with a minute remaining, Bivol landed four straight punches and then went on the run, allowing Beterbiev to take the round from Bivol, albeit close.
In the eighth round, Beterbiev came back well in another close round. He was passing on the south side when Bivol was on the ropes. At this time, Bivol’s left eye begins to swell a little. In the ninth round, Bivol used his footwork, avoiding some punching power that Beterbiev has. A left hook from Bivol in the middle of the chin was effective. Beterbiev seems to have a better turn in the last minute in a tight round.
In the tenth lap, Bivol did well until the last thirty seconds. There are few clinches for referee Thomas Taylor, who is possibly the best in the business. In the eleventh round, it was all Beterbiev. Referee Taylor cautioned Bivol for pulling Beterbiev’s head with one minute remaining.
In the twelfth and last round, the fans had previously continued to shout for Bivol. Beterbiev had a solid round with Bivol’s cut under his left eye, which was the only real mark between them on their faces. It was close, although Bivol seemed to have an advantage overall.
WBC World Featherweight champion Skye Nicolson (11-0, 1 KO) defeated Raven Chapman (9-1, 2 KO) by ten round unanimous decision.
