Bivol dethrones Beterbiev to claim undisputed light-heavyweight title

Dmitry Bivol became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion with a majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in Riyadh in the early hours of Sunday.

Four months after their first thrilling encounter, Bivol, 34, outpointed his 40-year-old Russian compatriot in a hard-fought contest, handing Beterbiev the first defeat of his 22-fight professional career. Two judges scored the bout 116-112 and 115-113 in favour of Bivol, while the third had it 114-114.

“I didn’t have as much pressure like last time. I just wanted to work from the first round until the end of the 12th. I did enough,” said Bivol. “I was better, I was pushing myself more, I was more confident, I was lighter. I just wanted to win so much today.”

Bivol dominated the early rounds and managed to withstand Beterbiev’s signature power as the fight wore on.

“I just told myself he could start from the beginning to destroy me and disturb me. It was hard to keep him distanced over the first four rounds,” Bivol added. “I was tired but he was tired also.”

Parker dominates late replacement Bakole

In the heavyweight division, Martin Bakole’s hopes of pulling off an upset against Joseph Parker were dashed, as the Congolese fighter was stopped in the second round.

Bakole, who stepped in on just two days’ notice after Daniel Dubois withdrew due to illness, was dropped by a sharp right hand before the referee halted the bout.

“I want to thank the people of Saudi Arabia and my team. Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the invitation and for giving me a good fight,” said Parker.

Elsewhere, Shakur Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight title, stopping late replacement Josh Padley in the ninth round.

(Source: AFP)