Dmitry Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev in the split point of claiming a lightweight world title in Saudi Arabia.
Russia’s Dmitry Bibor has revenged his previous defeat to win Artur Beterbiev’s uncontroversial light-level world title for the majority decision in the epic rematch in Saudi Arabia.
The judges recorded Sunday’s fights at Riad 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113.
Last October, both went toe toe toe as undefeated champions, and ended with exactly the same score, but finished with Russian-born Canadian Betterviev, who added the WBC, WBO and IBF belts.
This time, 34-year-old Bivol got better at night, lifting his gear and fighting against his bearded older opponent (now 40) with determination and classy combination.
The 1-1 result paves the way for an inevitable third collision between the two.
“In fact, I didn’t want a second fight. That wasn’t my choice, but it’s fine. Beterbiev, who wasn’t waving Biboru after the score was announced, said.
Bivol said he worked hard on any challenge but needed a rest after his efforts.
“I want to heal a little and come back,” the Russian said.
“There wasn’t much pressure like last time. I just wanted to work from the first round to the end of the 12th. I did enough and won this.
“I was good, I was pushing myself more, I was more confident, I was lighter, I just wanted to win that much today.”
Bivol got better against his opponent in the first three rounds, but the champion found his rhythm fourth in the battle of livelihoods than the first fight, but still rarely separate the two It was.
At the final bell, neither boxer was sure of the outcome, and both waited for the score to be read without celebrating in advance.
“I don’t want to talk about this decision. It’s difficult. Congratulations to the Bivol team,” said Beterbiev, who can win the final round.
“We thought this battle was better than the first one, but we’ll see it. Now is the time to come back.”
Previously, three-time world champion Shakur Stevenson held the WBC lightweight title after stopping British electrician Josh Padry, who had been in the middle of three days to prepare for the fight at the end of the nine rounds. did.
Former WBO World heavyweight champion Joseph Parker stopped another slow alternative, Martin Bacoll, in the second round in the WBO interim match.
Source link
