Artur Beterbiev was defeated by Dmitry Bivol to win the undisputed light heavyweight championship
The most talked-about boxing match of the year wasn’t the spectacle that saw Mike Tyson come out of retirement to face Jake Paul—a fight marred by broadcast issues on Netflix and Tyson’s diminished skills. Instead, BoxingNews.com’s Fight of the Year is a clear winner: the undisputed light heavyweight championship bout between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
While the decision was controversial, the clash between these two titans delivered plenty of highlights, leaving boxing fans in awe.
A Battle of Titans
The fight was fierce and evenly matched, with no clear winner by the end of the bout. Media outlets and fans largely believed that Dmitry Bivol had edged out the victory. However, the official result didn’t align with public perception.
Artur Beterbiev won the fight via majority decision, sparking widespread calls for a rematch. Despite the contentious nature of the verdict, both fighters displayed exceptional skill and determination, leaving audiences clamoring for a second showdown.
Bivol’s Rising Stock
For fans who’ve followed Dmitry Bivol since the start of his career, his potential has always been evident. Bivol truly made his mark on the global stage in May 2022 when he defeated Canelo Alvarez to retain the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title. At the time, Canelo was widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter of the decade.
Bivol’s victory over Canelo propelled him to a 20-0 record and set the stage for further success. Riding the momentum of that career-defining win, Bivol added three more victories to his record, culminating in a sixth-round TKO against Malik Zinad in June 2024. His triumphs led to the highly anticipated matchup with Beterbiev, a fighter known for his relentless power.
Beterbiev’s Relentless Power
Artur Beterbiev has built his career on overwhelming opponents with his incredible knockout power. Entering the fight with an unbeaten record of 21-0, with 20 wins by knockout, Beterbiev was the only current champion boasting a 100% KO ratio.
Despite losing that distinction, Beterbiev impressed with his ability to absorb punishment and continue pressing forward. Over 12 grueling rounds, he landed 90 power punches compared to Bivol’s 142. While Bivol’s accuracy stood out, with 34% of his total punches connecting compared to Beterbiev’s 20%, it was the latter’s relentless pursuit that kept the fight competitive.
The Aftermath
Though neither fighter managed a knockout, the technical brilliance and sheer willpower displayed made this a fight to remember. As the judges’ scores were read, tension filled the arena. One judge scored the bout a draw, while the other two awarded the win to Bivol.
Promoter Eddie Hearn was furious with the outcome and immediately called for a rematch. Interestingly, Beterbiev himself expressed dissatisfaction with the decision and welcomed another opportunity to face Bivol.
Looking Ahead
A rematch between these two warriors is already being touted as one of the most anticipated fights of 2025. With both fighters hungry to prove themselves, the sequel promises to be even more electrifying. For now, the debate over who truly deserves the title of undisputed light heavyweight champion rages on, ensuring this rivalry will remain at the forefront of boxing discussions for years to come.
