In the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing fans were treated to a nail-biting spectacle as Dmitry Bivol decisively reclaimed his crown as the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Taking to the ring on February 22, 2025, he emerged victorious over Artur Beterbiev, reversing the result of their previous encounter. Bivol edged out Beterbiev via a majority decision, with the judges scoring the intense bout 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. The anticipation leading to this rematch was palpable, especially after Beterbiev's performance in their last face-off.
Bivol, now boasting a record of 24-1 with 12 KOs, adapted his fight strategy to counter Beterbiev's formidable presence. Unlike their 2023 match, where Beterbiev turned the tide in the later rounds, this fight was marked by Bivol's dynamic footwork and tactical ring control. These elements played crucial roles in securing pivotal rounds, particularly in the latter stages of the bout.
Despite Beterbiev, with his now 21-1 record and 20 KOs, attempting a fierce comeback by landing a solid right hand in the twelfth round that opened a nasty cut over Bivol’s left eye, Bivol managed to clinch and stave off significant damage to seal his victory.
The night wasn't just about the main event. The co-main event saw Joseph Parker dominate Martin Bakole in a heavyweight clash. Parker's stellar performance ended with a second-round knockout, leveraging Bakole’s apparent conditioning struggles. This win propels Parker further in his pursuit of another world title shot, as he called for a bigger challenge post-fight.
Additionally, boxing enthusiasts witnessed impressive victories by Shakur Stevenson, who retained his WBC lightweight title against Josh Padley, and Carlos Adames, who held onto his WBC middleweight belt against Hamzah Sheeraz. Meanwhile, Vergil Ortiz Jr. managed a hard-fought win against Israil Madrimov, claiming the WBC junior middleweight interim title.
The entire event shone a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning role in the boxing world. With successful hosting of notable bouts, the country is fast becoming a hub for boxing enthusiasts and professional fighters alike. Post-match, Bivol expressed relief and satisfaction, noting that his improved conditioning and ring strategy played substantial roles in his triumph. Meanwhile, Beterbiev hinted at the possibility of a trilogy bout, proposing another chapter in their exciting rivalry.