Dmitry Bivol gets revenge, edges Artur Beterbiev by decision - ESPN

Dmitry Bivol avenged his 2024 loss to Artur Beterbiev, defeating his rival by majority decision for the undisputed light heavyweight championship early Sunday morning at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The rematch was set 133 days after Beterbiev won a narrow majority decision in October, and the second fight was every bit as good as the first, featuring momentum swings between the skillful tactician in Bivol and the bludgeoning power puncher in Beterbiev.

Two judges scored the bout for Bivol, 116-112 and 115-113, while the third judge scored it a draw at 114-114.

Bivol said he was able to fight more relaxed this time around after losing the first bout with Beterbiev.

«I didn't [feel] pressure too much this time like before, and I just wanted to work from the first round until the end of the 12th,» Bivol said in his ring interview afterward.

He added: «I was better [this time]. I was pushing myself more, I was more confident, I was lighter and I just wanted to win so much today.»

After spending 36 minutes in the ring together in the first fight, both fighters were familiar with what the other had to offer. It would be Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) who made the first adjustment by standing flat-footed in front of Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) rather than staying on his toes and moving around the ring. The slight alteration in strategy yielded early results as Bivol was sharp behind the jab and prevented Beterbiev from unloading his power shots.

But Beterbiev, 40, continued to push forward and force Bivol to fight at a hectic pace. Bivol found success putting together combinations with several punches piercing through Beterbiev's guard. Although Bivol was more active, Beterbiev's body punching began to wear on the challenger.