Dmitry Bivol’s Redemption: A Night to Remember in Riyadh
Feb 22, 2025, 06:55 PM ET
In a thrilling night of boxing that had fans on the edge of their seats, Dmitry Bivol managed to turn the tables on his fierce rival, Artur Beterbiev, with a majority decision victory. This win not only avenged his previous defeat but also crowned him the undisputed light heavyweight champion. The electrifying event took place in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a Saturday night that will be remembered for its intensity and drama.
Last October, Beterbiev had unified all four major titles with a majority decision victory against Bivol. This time around, the stakes were just as high, if not higher, as Beterbiev entered the rematch as a slight favorite (-125 per ESPN BET). His reign as a champion had been nothing short of remarkable, holding at least one of the belts since November 11, 2017. This seven-plus-year reign was a testament to his skill and determination, making Bivol’s victory all the more impressive.
The atmosphere in Riyadh was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating the rematch. The fight card was packed with exciting bouts, adding to the anticipation of the main event. Among the highlights was Joseph Parker’s impressive performance against Martin Bakole. Parker secured a second-round TKO to claim the WBO heavyweight interim title, showcasing his power and precision in the ring.
Another standout performance came from Shakur Stevenson, who faced off against Josh Padley. Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars. His ability to control the fight and deliver a decisive victory was a testament to his growing prowess in the ring.
Round-by-Round Analysis
- Round 1: Both fighters started cautiously, feeling each other out with jabs and testing their opponent’s defenses.
- Round 2: Bivol began to find his rhythm, landing a series of combinations that seemed to unsettle Beterbiev.
- Round 3: Beterbiev responded with his own flurry of punches, reminding everyone why he was the reigning champion.
- Round 4: The pace intensified as both fighters exchanged heavy blows, neither willing to give an inch.
- Round 5: Bivol’s footwork and speed started to give him an edge, allowing him to evade Beterbiev’s power shots.
- Round 6: Beterbiev landed a solid right hook, but Bivol absorbed it well and countered effectively.
- Round 7: The momentum seemed to shift in Bivol’s favor as he continued to outmaneuver Beterbiev.
- Round 8: Bivol’s confidence grew, and he began to dictate the pace of the fight.
- Round 9: Beterbiev, showing signs of fatigue, struggled to keep up with Bivol’s relentless attacks.
- Round 10: Bivol maintained his composure, landing precise shots that kept Beterbiev at bay.
- Round 11: Both fighters dug deep, but Bivol’s strategy and execution proved superior.
- Round 12: The final round saw Bivol continue to press his advantage, securing the victory with a strong finish.
The night in Riyadh was a testament to the skill and determination of these incredible athletes. Dmitry Bivol’s victory over Artur Beterbiev was not just a personal triumph but a significant moment in boxing history. As fans and analysts reflect on the fight, it’s clear that Bivol’s strategic approach and unwavering focus were key to his success. The boxing world will undoubtedly be buzzing with discussions and debates about this epic showdown for weeks to come.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
