Bivol dethrones Beterbiev in thrilling revenge win

Russian boxing legend Dmitry Bivol won the undisputed light-heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia after he defeated compatriot Artur Beterbiev in a masterclass.

In a deserved majority decision points win, Bivol, 34, dominated in Riyadh with its stunning footwork, fancy flurries, and crisp punching.

Beterbiev, 40, landed power punches in the early to middle rounds but tired towards the end as Bivol reversed October’s points loss to his rival.

With scores of 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113, Bivol claims the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF titles.

“From the beginning to the end of the 12th grade, I wanted to work.” I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was more confident and I was lighter. I wanted to win so much today”, Bivol said.

After 24 rounds of boxing of the highest level, the results sets up a mouth-watering decider.

The two greatest light-heavyweights of their generation met once more in 137 days.

While the first fight was a captivating classic, the rematch was even better.

With no drawn out ring walks, the fighters raced to the ring. There was no bad blood in the build-up. This was strictly business – two warriors, generational greats, putting their bodies on the line in their quest for legendary status.

Bivol worked behind his jab and quick feet, two of his world-class attributes, to make a sharp start with eye-catching combinations and a counter right hand in the second.

After Bivol and Beterbiev connected thumping power shots in a third that showcased the best of both, the crowd was on their feet, including legendary players Prince Naseem Hamed and Roberto Duran.

Canada-based Beterbiev planted his feet and unleashed monstrous rights. In the fifth, he staggered Bivol with a terrifying assault that led to a temple right.

Bivol vowed to do better after suffering his first career loss four months ago, which many believed he had won.

In the eighth and ninth, he regained his rhythm with cleaner, crisper punches and elegantly dancing out of range.

Beterbiev, who has knocked out every other opponent apart from Bivol, remained a threat. However, Bivol triumphed decisively in the championship matches.

“We need this now and can’t take any chances”, Beterbiev’s corner told him. He threw until the final seconds because he was exhausted and marked up.

At the conclusion of the most gruesome fight, neither team gave a cheerleading ovation.

With a second-round stoppage win earlier in Riyadh, heavyweight Joseph Parker surpassed late replacement Martin Bakole.

New Zealand’s Parker, 33, was scheduled to face IBF world champion Daniel Dubois before the Briton withdrew because of illness on Thursday.

The Democratic Republic of Congo flag draped over Bakole’s head made an agonizingly slow entrance. The 31-year-old, remarkably, only landed in Riyadh about 24 hours before the first bell.

Now based in Scotland, Bakole weighed 22st 7lb (142.9kg) at an unofficial weigh-in, almost a stone and a half more than a career-heavy Parker.

Lennox Lewis, the legend of heavyweight boxing, Oleksandr Usyk, the current world champion, and Moses Itauma, the prospect, watched on from the past, present, and future.

Parker’s nose was stung by an uppercut, which Bakole used to draw blood from the body, and she did so with some success.

Preparation is key in elite boxing, though. Moments later, an overhand counter-right from Parker landed on the top of Bakole’s head and scrambled his senses.

Trainer Billy Nelson threw the towel after 20 seconds as he fell heavily to the canvas.