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The Winner Of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Must Face Undefeated KO Artist To Keep Belt

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Turki Alalshikh Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off for the second time in four months, with Beterbiev looking to retain the undisputed light-heavyweight title he gained in October of 2024.

Their first meeting was an elite-level display that saw Beterbiev go the twelve round distance for the first time in his pro campaign. In the eyes of two of the three scoring judges at ringside he did enough to win, with the other scoring it a draw.

Bivol has been gracious in defeat – his first in 24 fights – and landed a rematch quickly. Rather than criticising the decision, he has promised to train harder and leave no doubt this time around.

The Winner Of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Must Face Undefeated KO Artist To Keep Belt

JUST IN: Dmitry Bivol Rematch Endangered by Unresolved Issues as Canelo Alvarez Reopens Doors to Dream Fight

Whilst both men have dominated the light-heavyweight ranks for some time, there are two recent additions to the division who fancy their chances of stealing the crown.

They are David Benavidez and David Morrell. Both recently moved up from super-middle after failing to land a fight with unified champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and, after one fight at the weight, will do battle on February 1.

The genuine bad blood between Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) and Cuba’s Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) only adds to the intrigue of what is one of the most high-level and competitive bouts on the calendar. With Morrell putting his WBA Regular belt on the line and Benavidez his WBC Interim title, the fight has everything.

What’s more, the WBC has now confirmed that the winner will be ordered to face the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol.

“Interim champion David Benavidez will fight David Morrell on February 1. The winner will be the mandatory challenger of the division to fight the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol.”

With Beterbiev set to defend his belts just weeks after on February 22, the light-heavyweight division is worth keeping an eye on.

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Canelo, Bivol, and Beterbiev Face Immediate Threat as Benavidez, Munguia Receive Mandatory Orders

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Canelo Alvarez Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

With the year drawing to a close and next year’s schedule falling into place, the lower divisions are looking pretty sharp. But that doesn’t mean upper echelons are sulking in silence.

The crosshairs still feature the Usyk-Fury rematch. Reports suggest moves heralding potential shake-ups at the light heavyweight and super middleweight divisions.

In the 175 lbs division, the decks are cleared for the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Following their high-octane duel on October 12, the duo will team up for yet another dance. But it appears that the winner of the face-off will have a short time to celebrate. He will be staring at a challenger. One division below, at the super middleweight, the main character still drives the plot. With the crown atop his head still intact, Canelo Alvarez could face yet another title claimant early next year. It’s possible he may meet a familiar face.

Oscar De La Hoya pitches David Benavidez vs Jaime Munguia fight - Bad Left Hook

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Reportedly the WBC has taken a few critical decisions. First, a challenger for the winner of the bout between Beterbiev and Bivol. The two are now ready for yet another big showdown in Riyadh. Many consider the February 22 mega card as the greatest in boxing history. A string of exciting matches includes the likes of Daniel Dubois, Shakur Stevenson, and Vergil Ortiz Jr. defending their titles.

Screenshot 2024-12-11 164218

But before the fight, on February 1, at the T-Mobile Arena, David Benavidez and David Morrell Jr. will meet. A final title eliminator, the bout for Benavidez’s WBC interim light heavyweight title and Morrell Jr.’s regular WBA belt, will clear the path to challenge the winner of the Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol match, it seems.

A close perusal suggests a win-win, crackerjack array of matchups. Be it Beterbiev vs. Benavidez or Bivol vs. Morrell Jr. or just the reverse, either way, the lineups will be something purists will look forward to.

Given it already has a supremo reigning over it, the situation at the super middleweight might be slightly different, though.

On September 15, Canelo Alvarez defeated Edgar Berlanga during the year’s second title defense. Though no longer an undisputed champion, he still remains a formidable force to reckon with. It may be difficult to dislodge the Mexican superstar; nevertheless, the WBC has taken measures to dry-run a test. Date and venue details are yet to be confirmed; however, there will be a fight between Jaime Munguia and Christian M’billi for the WBC ‘interim’ super middleweight title. The winner stands a chance to dare Alvarez as the mandatory challenger.Screenshot 2024-12-11 163703

If he wins, Munguia, who will face the year’s fourth opponent on December 14, will be walking into a rematch. Early in May, he lost the title challenge to Alvarez on the Cinco de Mayo fixture. Nevertheless, he still retains the WBC silver super middleweight belt.

On the other hand, unbeaten M’billi defeated Sergiy Derevyanchenko to retain the WBC Continental Americas Championship. The ambitious Cameroonian-French fighter dreams of a shot at facing Canelo Alvarez, making the Munguia fight the opportunity he’s been waiting for. A win over the granite-chinned Munguia could bring him closer to his much-coveted dream.

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Canelo vs. Beterbiev, Who Hits Harder?: Dmitry Bivol Warned as He Answers the Burning Question

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Former WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has officially fought two of the biggest names in boxing—Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.

Now, the Russian technician has answered the question many have been asking since last Saturday night’s mega event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Who hits harder—Canelo or Beterbiev?

The 33-year-old took on ‘Cinnamon’ back in April 2022, emerging victorious via unanimous decision after 12 rounds of battle. However, surprisingly, he could not produce the same results last weekend, as he lost the fight to Beterbiev via a majority decision, which is now shrouded in controversy.

Canelo Alvarez Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

JUST IN: ‘I had him bent over!’: Conor McGregor details ‘conversations’ for Floyd Mayweather rematch

Despite looking like the slightly better fighter in the 12-round skirmish, Bivol was handed his first career loss, as he continues to ask for a rematch to avenge his loss. Regardless, while appearing in an interview with Box Nation, Bivol expressed his thoughts about Beterbiev’s power.

The Kyrgyzstan-born boxer said, “He has very strong punches. [I felt] his right hand even through my left. My thumb is swollen because I was holding it on my head and he was beating on my hand.” Bivol added that because of the repeated blows from Beterbiev, who had entered the fight with a perfect knockout record, it felt as if Bivol’s guard was pushed inside his head.

After this statement became public, former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion Andre Ward reacted by suggesting Bivol should not indulge these details if he wants a rematch. “You should never concede this openly when there is potential for a rematch. Keep that to yourself! Too much talking,” he wrote on X.

However, things didn’t end there, as Bivol went on to compare Beterbiev’s power with Canelo Alvarez. While appearing in another interview with Fight Hub TV, Bivol told Marcos Villegas, “I could compare [it] with Canelo. He put all his energy, all his power [into] a single punch. [So,] sometimes he’s harder than Beterbiev.”

He explained that, unlike Canelo, Beterbiev doesn’t wind up his punches, rather he likes to fight in the pocket. However, when there are combinations or just the volume of punches is increased in the comparison, Beterbiev is the more powerful puncher. “Beterbiev, every punch will be [harder than] Canelo. Both of them are strong, but Beterbiev is bigger, and he’s born strong,” Bivol said.

However, these weren’t the only times Bivol commented on Beterbiev’s power.

Despite the controversy surrounding his loss to Beterbiev, Bivol decided to keep things real. Speaking to iFL TV right after the fight came to a close, Bivol acknowledged that Beterbiev’s power was significant, highlighting the bruises he had suffered after the action-packed 12 rounds.

“It’s hard, but not as [hard] as people are describing. Yeah, it’s hard, you see my eye. He landed a lot of punches on my left hand, through my hand. You see the bruises,” Bivol said. However, the Russian boxer remained adamant about his own abilities, stating, “He [hits] hard but we can handle these hard punches.”

That said, the next best thing for Dmitry Bivol would be to pursue a rematch with Artur Beterbiev to avenge his loss. However, the final word on the matter will only be revealed in the coming days, as Beterbiev contemplates other options.

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‘Robbed, Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Vs. Bivol CompuBox Numbers

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Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

The CompuBox numbers for the Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivolfight have been released, showing how close the fight was.

The two boxers faced off for the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship. Beterbiev won via a majority decision to make him the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion. However, the result divided the boxing community, with many feeling that Bivol had been robbed. Beterbiev’s corner was heard telling their man that he had to knock his opponent out. But when it came to the judges’ scorecards, they saw things differently. One scorecard had it 114 apiece, whilst the other two were in favor of better Beterbiev with scores of 116-112 and 115-113.

Bivol was clearly left disappointed, while Beterbiev’s team shut down any claims that there had been a robbery. And looking at the stats, it was a close fight. Bivol managed to land 50% of his power punches. This was a lot more than Beterbiev, who only landed 29%. This meant Bivol connected with 33 power punches over the first six rounds, while Beterbiev only landed 23. But when it came to the second half of the fight, Beterbiev was stronger. He landed 67 power punches in comparison to Bivol, who only landed 51.

Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

READ: “I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

And when it came to the home stretch, Beterbiev was stronger in rounds 11 and 12. He landed 29 power punches, while Bivol managed to connect with 19. They were also separated by just five punches in total. Bivol outlanded Beterbiev with 142 punches compared to his opponent’s 137. Bivol also landed with more jabs. He had 58 compared to Beterbiev’s 47. But Beterbiev landed more power punches, with 90 compared to 84. Therefore, the fact that one judge had 116-112 drew the wrath of Eddie Hearn. His comments were also backed up by Frank Warren, who felt that Bivol had done enough to win. And that has set up the narrative for a rematch.

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds?” he told the DAZN broadcast. It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out. Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev… That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this, magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn said 

“I gave it to Bivol by a couple of rounds. That score of 8-4 is beyond ridiculous. Everyone around that ring thought Bivol had won it by at least two rounds. There should be a rematch because it was such a quality fight. Brilliant skills in there by Bivol, his jab was superb. Artur the last couple of rounds was told it was sink or swim. The score 8-4 was a joke. It’s terrible when you get a fight like that and it ends in controversy,” Warren stated

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Artur Beterbiev def. Dmitry Bivol: Best photos

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Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Check out these photos from Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight boxing title victory over Dmitry Bivol at Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown.

Ciara performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

JUST IN: “I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 12: Missy Elliott performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Missy Elliott and Ciara perform ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Artur Beterbiev def. Dmitry Bivol: Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown
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“I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

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Turki Alalshikh Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports authority and head of the General Entertainment Authority, has voiced his desire to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following Beterbiev’s controversial points victory in their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. 

Alalshikh, a key figure in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia, believes the result of the fight was not fair and is already working to organise a second showdown between the two champions.

Beterbiev’s victory, secured by a majority decision after twelve rounds of intense action, has sparked widespread debate in the boxing community, with many—including professional fighters—arguing that Bivol deserved the win.

Artur Beterbiev scores controversial majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol in 12-round battle - MMA Fighting

JUST IN: [VIDEOS] ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Beats Bivol To Become Undisputed Amid Robbery Claims

While Beterbiev’s aggressive style and power shots earned him the judges’ nod, Bivol’s technical skill and ring control had many feeling he had done enough to claim victory.

Alalshikh, who has played a major role in bringing boxing mega-fights to Saudi Arabia over the last 12 months, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result, suggesting that the judges may have gotten it wrong.

Speaking about the result, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground: ‘This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion. The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.’

Known for his passion for combat sports and his ability to deliver blockbuster events, Alalshikh is already in talks with both Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s teams to make the rematch a reality.

He is reportedly keen on hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prime destination for high-profile boxing matches, including bouts involving Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh.

Bivol, who many believe was ‘robbed’ of a victory, has welcomed the idea of a rematch. While Beterbiev, now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has also indicated that he would be open to a second fight.

The potential rematch has already generated excitement among fans and boxing insiders alike, with many viewing it as a must-see event. Given Alalshikh’s track record of organising high-stakes fights, there is growing anticipation that this rematch could come together quickly.

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[VIDEOS] ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Beats Bivol To Become Undisputed Amid Robbery Claims

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Beterbiev Bivol

Artur Beterbiev is the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion after a divisive majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol. 

Beterbiev added Bivol’s WBA belt to his WBC, WBO and IBF titles, extending his record to 21-0. It was the first time he went the full 12 rounds while Bivol suffered his first defeat. Bivol began the opener well as he was landing the jab. He doubled up on it, connecting with his right hand as Beterbiev started slow.

However, Beterbiev maintained control of the center. He caught Bivol’s attention with a big right hand in the third as he worked himself into the fight, while Bivol kept moving around the ring. Bivol responded with a right cross, but Beterbiev took it cleanly, with no impact as he walked forward.

In the sixth, Bivol was backed up on the ropes. Beterbiev landed upstairs, grazing Bivol’s head with a right cross as he found himself on the ropes. Bivol was breathing heavier as Beterbiev was putting his combinations together. However, Bivol fought back in the seventh. He buzzed Beterbiev with a combination on the ropes.

READ: Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Beterbiev reacted by backing up Bivol, who was forced to cover up. Neither man was backing down. Bivol’s backhand landed on the body in the ninth, followed by a cross that popped Beterbiev’s head. Beterbiev’s corner was clear that he needed a KO following the tenth. Beterbiev went for it, unleashing a flurry of punches as Bivol slowed down in the 11th. However, Bivol held his ground only to come up short on the scorecards, dividing the boxing community: 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112.

Post-Fight

“I don’t have any explanation, because it would look like excuses. I just congratulate Artur and his team, they deserve it. [And] I did my job. I felt that I could do better, it just… some opinion of judges… Congratulations, Artur. I didn’t see this fight. He won, what can I say?,” Bivol

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds? It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out. Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev… That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn

Full Card

Fabio Wardley defeated Frazer Clarke by first-round TKO (2:28).

Jai Opetaia defeated Jack Massey by sixth-round TKO (2:00).

Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Kamil Szeremeta by seventh-round TKO (1:50).

Skye Nicolson defeated Raven Chapman by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92).

Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron ended in a split draw after an injury caused by both fighters falling out of the ring (58-57, 57-58, 58-58).

Mohammed Alakel defeated Jesus Gonzalez by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

Marco Maric defeated Christian Lopez Flores by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

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