In a clash that had boxing fans on their feet, Dmitry Bivol secured a hard-fought majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in their electric rematch, reclaiming the undisputed status in the light heavyweight division. The fight, a rematch eagerly awaited by the boxing community, saw Bivol outmaneuver Beterbiev with superior defense, precise counterpunching, and remarkable stamina in the waning rounds. Judges scored the bout 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113, tipping the scales in Bivol's favor.
The Kyrgyzstan-native managed to land 170 punches compared to Beterbiev's 121, showcasing enhanced endurance and agility, particularly in the final rounds. Although known for his ferocity, the 40-year-old Beterbiev found himself on the back foot due to Bivol's relentless attacks. By the end of the bout, Beterbiev bore visible signs of the grueling contest, marked by facial swelling and cuts, testament to Bivol's calculated approach.
The event was marked by a thrilling undercard that further amped up the excitement. New Zealand's Joseph Parker delivered a stunning performance with a second-round TKO over Martin Bakole, stopping the fight via corner intervention. This emphatic victory signaled a strong comeback for Parker, aiming for bigger challenges ahead.
Meanwhile, American sensation Shakur Stevenson showcased his skills by dominating Josh Padley, earning a stoppage in the ninth round. Stevenson's tactical brilliance and power were on full display, fortifying his standing as a rising star in the boxing world.
In another highly watched matchup, Britain's Callum Smith took on Joshua Buatsi. Smith's strategic prowess and relentless pressure throughout the bout led to a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the top contenders in the division.
Following the main event, both Bivol and Beterbiev expressed respect for each other's talents, with Beterbiev hinting at the possibility of a trilogy bout. Despite the defeat, he showed resilience by cutting Bivol above the left eye during the twelfth round, a testament to his enduring fighting spirit. Fans are left buzzing with anticipation at the possibility of another encounter between these two warriors.