Dmitry Bivol claimed undisputed light-heavyweight supremacy with a majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in a thrilling rematch in Riyadh early Sunday.
Bivol, 34, avenged his controversial draw from their first encounter, outboxing his 40-year-old compatriot to hand Beterbiev his first professional defeat in 22 fights. Judges scored it 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114.
“I was more confident, lighter, and I wanted this win so much,” said Bivol. “I knew he would try to destroy me early, but I stayed composed.”
Meanwhile, Martin Bakole’s last-minute step-up to face Joseph Parker ended in disappointment. The Congolese heavyweight, who took the fight on just two days’ notice, was floored in the second round before the bout was stopped.
Elsewhere, British electrician-turned-boxer Josh Padley’s fairytale shot against undefeated American Shakur Stevenson ended in the ninth round after three knockdowns.
