Tale of the tape: Beterbiev v Bivol
Here’s a look at how Beterbiev and Bivol measure up ahead of tonight’s main event. Physically, there’s not much to separate these former Russian amateur teammates: Beterbiev has the slightest of advantages in reach while Bivol has an even scanter edge in height. Bivol came in slightly below the light heavyweight division limit of 175lb at yesterday’s weigh-in, while Beterbiev, who turned 40 last month, hit it on the nose.
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Bivol beats Beterbiev by majority decision
And the new! Dmitry Bivol is the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world after defeating Artur Beterbiev by a majority decision. The official scores were 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113.
It’s the first professional defeat for Beterbiev, whose eight-year championship reign at 175lb is over.
Round 12
Bivol looks to close the show in style, avoiding Beterbiev’s increasingly desperate forays while peppering his opponent with shots in retreat. But Beterbiev lands a couple big shots upstairs in the second half of the frame, turning Bivol’s left eye into a bloody mess. Two-way action until the final bell. Gripping stuff. That is a Beterbiev round and the fighters embrace when it’s finished. Now we’ll wait for the official cards.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 10-9 Bivol (Beterbiev 113-115 Bivol)
Round 11
Bivol has found a reserve and appears the fitter man. He’s busier and using combination punching to neutralize Beterbiev’s attack, complemented by constant, unpredictable lateral movement. Beterbiev is desperately trying to barrel his way inside and land something big, but he’s been reduced to one punch at a time and Bivol is slipping nearly everything.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 103-106 Bivol)
Round 10
Beterbiev is slowing down markedly and Bivol is capitalizing. He’s throwing and landing more, a variety of shots to the head and body with both hands. This is an easy round for Bivol as Beterbiev has been reduced to single punches. The round ends with Bivol in pursuit of Beterbiev, for a change, with the champion in full retreat. A very close fight entering the championship rounds.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 94-96 Bivol)
Round 9
Beterbiev has landed the heavier and more significant blows from the start, but Bivol’s hand speed and volume is presumably keeping him in this fight on the cards. The champion continues to stalk, stalk, stalk. At one point Bivol pirouettes out of harm’s way and lands a four-punch combination that wows the animated crowd. Now it’s Beterbiev who looks tired. The ebbs and flows have not stopped from the opening bell. What a fight.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 85-86 Bivol)
Round 8
Bivol will need to rely on speed and class to see him through this challenge and he’s showing it early in the eighth. He’s back to moving like he did in the early rounds, using deft footwork and upper-body movement in between jabs to the body and head. Beterbiev is blocking a lot of them with his arms, but it’s the type of attention-catching workrate that has a way of swaying the judges. Both men have seen their faces marked up; Bivol’s left eye appears swollen.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 76-76 Bivol)
Round 7
Bivol’s corner were working on his legs between round. Not a great sign. The challenger is trying to get into a rhythm with his jab again, but it lacks the authority of the early rounds thanks to the cumulative effect of Beterbiev’s suffocating pressure. More of the same from Beterbiev, who continues to close distance and throw heavy shots to the boddy. Bivol does his best work at the end of the round, catching the champion with a couple of shots upstairs as he looks to barrel inside. Very close round.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 10-9 Bivol (Beterbiev 67-66 Bivol)
Round 6
Bivol can’t hurt Beterbiev, who is giving the challenger no quarter. The crowding pressure is non-stop from the champion and each landed punch looks like it hurts. Bivol sits down on this punches and lands a crisp combination to Beterbiev’s head in the center of the ring. A great response. But Beterbiev traps him in a neutral corner near the end of the frame and connects with a couple of crunching body blows. A third straight frame for Beterbiev on our card and we’re level at the midpoint of the scheduled 12 rounds.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 10-9 Bivol (Beterbiev 57-57 Bivol)
Round 5
Beterbiev’s pressure and body work is starting to yield dividends. He’s walking down Bivol, who is burning a lot of energy trying to target the head and body with jabs while keeping out of the way of the champion’s overhand rights. This is another clear Beterbiev round. Then in the final 30 seconds Beterviev lands a right hand through Bivol’s guard that might have hurt Bivol. Bivol is staggered momentarily but regains his footing and makes it to the bell.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 10-9 Bivol (Beterbiev 47-48 Bivol)
Round 4
Beterbiev is relentless in attack. He’s not stopped moving forward from the opening bell and the pressure is constant. He’s beginning to find Bivol’s midsection with right hands. Bivol is fighting well off the back foot, peppering away with the jab to the head and body, but appears to be slowing down from the first round and a touch flat-footed. Beterbiev hasn’t landed anything that’s hurt Bivol yet, but the pressure in that fourth round was so heightened as to neutralize the challenger’s offense almost completely.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 10-9 Bivol (Beterbiev 37-39 Bivol)
Round 3
Beterbiev picks up the pace from the bell, perhaps encouraged by his corner. He’s targeting Bivol’s body and landing the odd shot. Another three-punch combo from Bivol, who looks very locked in and confident. He’s moving all over the place, changing direction, refusing to offer a stationary target while Beterbiev stalks away. Bivol narrowly ducks under a lunging right hook. Bivol lands a couple of shots right through Beterbiev’s guard. Then in the closing seconds Beterbiev moves Bivol backwards with a couple of crunching blows, only for Bivol to clip the champion with a right hook just before the bell. This is high-tempo stuff between two top operators. Will Bivol be able to sustain this pace?
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 27-30 Bivol)
Round 2
Bivol is doing fine work with that jab and it’s already paying off. Sticking and moving, sticking and moving. There’s already a little mouse under Beterbiev’s eye. Bivol turns southpaw, changes direction and lands a combination upstairs punctuated by a beautiful counter right hand that lands flush. He’s throwing and langing more while Beterbiev continues to try and cut off the ring. Beterbiev lands a thudding jab. Easier round to score for Bivol.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 18-20 Bivol)
Round 1
There’s the bell and the fighters meet each other at the center of the ring. Lots of pawing and feints from both men in the early stages. Bivol is trying to establish that ramrod jab, while Beterbiev looks to close the distance with measured bursts into the pocket. Bivol throws the first combination and lands a few shots but Beterbiev is unbothered. Beterbiev looks to cut off the ring and trap Bivol along the ropes, but the challenger does not accommodate. A cagey first round that could have gone either way, but Bivol’s combination punching nicks it for us.
Guardian’s unofficial score: Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol (Beterbiev 9-10 Bivol)
The fighters have been announced by ring announcer Michael Buffer. The final instructions have been given by the British referee Kevin Parker, the seconds are out and we’ll pick it up with round-by-round coverage from here!
The fighters are making their ringwalks for the main event. First it’s Dmitry Bivol, who canters down the runway wearing a silver robe with black trim to группа крови by the Russian rock band Kino. Now it’s Artur Beterbiev’s turn. The unbeaten champion is in an equal hurry to reach the squared circle, wearing a black T-shirt and matching shorts as Вперед Ахмат by Dagestani singer Rizavdi Ismailov plays.
Tale of the tape: Beterbiev v Bivol
Here’s a look at how Beterbiev and Bivol measure up ahead of tonight’s main event. Physically, there’s not much to separate these former Russian amateur teammates: Beterbiev has the slightest of advantages in reach while Bivol has an even scanter edge in height. Bivol came in slightly below the light heavyweight division limit of 175lb at yesterday’s weigh-in, while Beterbiev, who turned 40 last month, hit it on the nose.
“When I came back to the corner, [trainer Andy Lee] gave me the instructions just to be patient,” Parker says. “And when the overhead right comes, when he walks in and attacks, that’s when you have to take your shot. And that’s the best way, is to catch them when they’re coming in.”
He adds: “Martin Bakole, thank you very much for accepting the challenge and flying all the way here on short notice to give me a good fight. I just went out there and listened to Andy [Lee], stay calm, structured, composed, and got the victory.”
Parker doesn’t wait long before moving to his future plans.
“I just want to say like, who’s next?” he says. “How do I fight for the world title next? How can I fight for the world title? Listen, if Usyk wants a dance partner, I’ll get Uncle Frank to come in here and lock a fight with Usyk. But I want to fight for world title and I’d like to be champion of the world again too.”
Does he want Usyk immediately or would he settle for a fight with Daniel Dubois, who holds the IBF’s version of the title?
“I will fight anyone and everyone,” he says.
Parker beats Bakole by second-round KO
Well that was quick. Parker, fighting at a career-high 267lb, made quick work of Bakole, who took the fight on 48 hours’ notice and didn’t touch down in Riyadh until this morning. Late in the second round, Parker landed an overhand right that connected with the top of Bakole’s head. It was a bit of an equilibrium shot that left the 33-year-old Congolese unable to find his footing. The official time was 2:17 of round two.
The stars are out tonight in Riyadh in the form of a smattering of boxing luminaries, who have been seated at ringside for most of the televised card.
Only one more undercard bout ahead of the main event. What was supposed to be a shot at the IBF heavyweight title for Joseph Parker has turned into a battle for mandatory challenger status, as Daniel Dubois withdrew from Saturday’s fight due to a medical issue. Instead, Parker will now square off against Martin Bakole, another late replacement who’s eager to seize this unexpected opportunity.
“The show goes on. It’s not even just in boxing, but in life,” Parker told Sky Sports. “Things happen, you just have to adjust and adapt to the situation.”
Dubois’ promoter, Frank Warren, had not confirmed his fighter’s status before Friday’s weigh-in but stated Thursday that Dubois was “being evaluated by a doctor”. This opened the door for Bakole, who posted a video from Kinshasa, Congo, saying, “I think I will shock the world tomorrow. A boxer is like a soldier – anytime they ask you to go to war, always be ready.”
Though there’s no world title on the line now, the stakes remain high. The WBO announced that the winner of tonight’s clash will become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship.
Parker (35-3, 23 KOs), a former WBO champion, captured the belt in 2016 by defeating Andy Ruiz Jr but lost it to Anthony Joshua 15 months later. He’s eager for another chance at the top. “I’ll fight anyone and everyone,” Parker said. “Thanks to Martin for stepping in. He’s a tough fighter, and I look forward to the challenge.”
Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs), known for his size and power, last fought in August, stopping the hot American prospect Jared Anderson in the fifth round in Los Angeles. He weighed over 280lb for that fight and promises to bring the same intensity.
As we wait for the fighters to make their ringwalks, here’s our Donald McRae’s sitdown interview with Parker from this week.
Stevenson retains title with ninth-round TKO
Shakur Stevenson has just defended his WBC lightweight title with a ninth-round TKO of Britain’s Josh Padley. It’s a result that was widely expected after the 29-year-old Padley took the fight on four days’ notice when scheduled opponent Floyd Schofield was forced to withdraw due to illness. A Yorkshire electrician by day, Padley completed a shift on Wednesday before hopping a bird to Riyadh to chase a potential life-changing opportunity.
Padley, a domestic-level fighter coming off a career-best win over Mark Chamberlain at Wembley in September, was fit for the task and gave a very good account of himself. But there would be no fairytale ending as he was ultimately outclassed by the surgical southpaw from Newark, New Jersey, getting dropped three times (all on body shots) before his corner threw in the towel after nine completed rounds. Already a three-division world champion at 27, Stevenson retains the WBC’s lightweight strap for a second time while improving to 23-0 with 11 knockouts.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the Venue Riyadh for tonight’s light-heavyweight blockbuster. The stage is set for one of the biggest rematches in recent boxing history as Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) defends all four major light heavyweight titles against Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs). Both men are here to sort out unfinished business after their thrilling October showdown, which saw Beterbiev shade a majority decision to unify the WBA, WBO, WBC and IBF belts at 175lb.
That first encounter lived up to the sky-high expectations that preceded it. Beterbiev, known for his brutal knockout power, managed to narrowly get by on points, but the scorecards (114-114, 115-113, and 116-112) left plenty of room for debate with both fighters believing they had done enough to win. Four months later and with everything back on the line, the rematch offers both men a chance to settle the score for good.
For Beterbiev, tonight’s fight is about proving that his win wasn’t a matter of good fortune or favorable judging. Unbeaten in 21 outings with 20 wins coming by knockout, the Russian-Canadian is one of boxing’s most feared punchers. His strategy would appear to be simple: apply relentless pressure, cut off the ring and land those devastating power shots. “I want to defend my belts,” Beterbiev said in a calm, businesslike tone during the pre-fight press conference. Despite the debate around their first clash, he remains unfazed by critics questioning the outcome. His mission tonight? Leave no doubt by delivering a more decisive victory.
In the other corner, Bivol carries the hunger of a man who feels robbed of his rightful place at the top. Renowned for his defensive skill and ring IQ – ask Canelo Álvarez – the 34-year-old Russian is determined to adjust his game plan and reclaim the WBA title he lost so narrowly. “Thank you to Beterbiev for giving me a rematch,” Bivol said, adding that his drive to win burns brighter than ever. Known for his technical brilliance and sharp combinations, Bivol believes small tactical changes could tip the balance in his favor this time.
In the co-main event, a shake-up has added some fresh intrigue. Originally set to challenge Daniel Dubois for the IBF interim heavyweight title, Joseph Parker (35-3, 23 KOs) will now face Martin Bakole (21-1, 16 KOs) after Dubois withdrew due to illness. According to the WBO, the winner of this bout will become the mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk’s heavyweight championship – raising the stakes significantly for both fighters. Bakole, stepping in on short notice, brings raw power and momentum, while Parker looks to continue re-establishing himself as a legitimate title contender.
The main event should kick off in a little more than an hour’s time. Plenty more to come between now and then.
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s Donald McRae’s lookahead to tonight’s co-feature bout.
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