Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light-heavyweight champion with a controversial victory over Dmitry Bivol on Saturday.
Beterbiev, who entered the fight in Saudi Arabia as the unified champion holding the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles, added Bivol’s WBA belt to his collection after winning by majority decision.
The judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev, with the latter scorecard raising eyebrows after a closely contested and tactical fight.
Bivol, 33, known for his technical skill, faced the 39-year-old Beterbiev, renowned for his knockout power, having amassed a 20-0 record with 20 KOs prior to this fight.
Bivol appeared to gain an early lead with his sharp work, but Beterbiev relentlessly pressed forward, occasionally demonstrating his power. As the fight progressed, Bivol maintained his composure, standing toe-to-toe with the harder puncher and landing clean combinations, though at times he had to move around the ring and throw shorter punches to keep Beterbiev at bay.
Momentum shifted between the two, with Bivol seemingly ahead in the middle rounds before Beterbiev surged late, forcing Bivol to cover up and hang on in the final moments.
Despite this, the 116-112 score in Beterbiev’s favor surprised many, as a draw or a narrow win for either fighter seemed more plausible. Bivol, also of Russian descent with Kyrgyz heritage, suffered his first professional loss, bringing his record to 23-1 (12 KOs).
Bivol’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, expressed his frustration to DAZN, saying: “In the biggest fight of Bivol’s career, you only give him four rounds? It’s outrageous. Even Beterbiev’s corner told him he needed a knockout in the 10th round. I’m baffled and disgusted. That judge should never officiate again.”