Adopted Quebecer Artur Beterbiev succeeded in his mission by winning by majority decision against Dmitry Bivol to become unified light heavyweight champion, Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Two of the judges gave the victory to Beterbiev (115-113 and 116-112), while the third official gave a score of 114-114.
Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) reached the limit in a fight for the first time in his career, while Bivol (22-1, 11 KOs) suffered his very first loss.
After two quieter rounds, the two pugilists exchanged several good blows during the third engagement.
While Bivol seemed to have the advantage in the first three rounds, the tide turned somewhat starting in rounds four and five. Beterbiev was more incisive with several good shots that hit the target.
Despite Beterbiev’s intensity, Bivol was very mobile throughout the fight.
The fight ultimately required a 12e and final round, which was fiercely contested, without however seeing one of the two boxers visit the mat.
More details to come
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