Canadian Artur Beterbiev unified the light heavyweight category by inflicting his first defeat on Russian Dmitry Bivol, beaten on points, on Saturday in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Already holder of the WBC, IBF and WBO belts, the boxer of Chechen origin, aged 39, seized the WBA title from Bivol, 33, who was until then undefeated (now 23 wins for one defeat) as his opponent.
“A masquerade” according to the promoter of Bivol
It is nevertheless the first time that Beterviev (21 victories including 20 by KO) has failed to win before the limit: the judges rendered a split decision in his favor (116-112, 115-113 and 114-114 ). It is also the first time that a boxer has managed to hold the four main world belts in this category.
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Promoter of Bivol, the British Eddie Hearn protested the judges’ verdict, targeting in particular the one which gave a score of 116-112 in favor of Beterviev. “ It’s a charade. It is revolting that after a lifetime of hard work, Dmitry Bivol is not an undisputed champion “, he said.
A rematch could take place between the two men in 2025 although this fight, initially scheduled for last June, was postponed due to a knee injury for Beterviev.
