Artur Beterbiev captured the undisputed light heavyweight championship of the world at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, edging previously undefeated WBA titleholder Dmitry Bivol by majority decision across twelve high-level tactical rounds to headline the opening night of Riyadh Season 2024.
Entering the ring with a 100 percent knockout ratio across 20 professional bouts and holding the WBC, IBF, and WBO straps, the 39-year-old Beterbiev was taken to the final bell for the first time in his career before prevailing on scores of 115–113 and 116–112, overruling a third scorecard of 114–114.
Late Championship-Round Surge Seals Historic Four-Belt Unification
Bivol controlled large stretches of the opening half behind crisp lateral footwork, rapid three-punch combinations, and a disciplined high guard that neutralized Beterbiev's early power shots. However, Beterbiev relentlessly cut off the ring in the second half, battering Bivol's gloves and forearms to slow the 33-year-old technician.
Following advice from cornerman Marc Ramsay entering the championship rounds, Beterbiev swept rounds ten, eleven, and twelve on two judges' cards with sustained pressure and heavy right hands along the ropes, becoming the first undisputed 175-pound king since Roy Jones Jr. in 2002.
“Dmitry is a world-class champion with great skill, and winning all four belts tonight in Riyadh after twelve tough rounds is the culmination of a lifetime of discipline.” — Artur Beterbiev, Undisputed Light Heavyweight World Champion
First Distance Fight for Beterbiev Sets Stage for Potential Riyadh Rematch
CompuBox punch statistics reflected the razor-thin margin of the contest, with Bivol landing 142 of 423 total punches (33.6%) compared to Beterbiev's 137 of 682 (20.1%), while Beterbiev out-landed Bivol 90 to 58 in power punches through sheer forward volume.
Both fighters expressed immediate willingness to contest a rematch following the bout, with General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh indicating that Riyadh Season stands ready to stage a second showdown between the two elite light heavyweights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the official judges' scorecards for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh?
Judge Glenn Feldman scored the bout a 114–114 draw, while Manual Oliver Palomo scored it 115–113 and Pawel Kardyni scored it 116–112 in favor of Artur Beterbiev for a majority decision victory.
Who was the last undisputed light heavyweight world boxing champion before Artur Beterbiev?
Roy Jones Jr. was the last undisputed light heavyweight champion in 2002 during the three-belt era, making Beterbiev the first 175-pound fighter to hold all four major sanctioning body belts simultaneously.
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