Introduction
On October 12, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clashed in one of the most anticipated boxing bouts of the year, with all four major light heavyweight titles on the line. The fight went the full 12 rounds, with Beterbiev edging out Bivol in a majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 116-112). The fight, however, has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits regarding the scoring, as Bivol controlled early rounds with movement and counters (ringside24.com).
Breakdown of the Fight
Bivol’s Early Dominance
In the early rounds, Dmitry Bivol showcased his technical superiority, using his footwork to frustrate Beterbiev and landing precise counter punches. His movement and sharp jabs helped him control the distance, avoiding the powerful shots that made Beterbiev notorious for his knockout power.
Beterbiev’s Resilience and Pressure
By the middle rounds, Artur Beterbiev turned the tide with relentless pressure, closing the distance and landing heavy shots to the body. His ability to absorb Bivol’s strikes and continue marching forward wore down Bivol’s defenses. As the rounds progressed, Beterbiev’s power became a more dominant factor, forcing Bivol into more exchanges than he may have wanted.
Controversial Decision
Despite Bivol’s control early on, the judges awarded Beterbiev the win, with one judge scoring the fight a draw (114-114) and the others favoring Beterbiev (115-113 and 116-112). The decision sparked a wave of controversy, as many fans believed Bivol had done enough to win based on his ring generalship and clean shots in the early rounds (ringside24.com).
What’s Next for the Light Heavyweight Division?
Beterbiev’s Legacy
With this win, Artur Beterbiev has solidified himself as the undisputed light heavyweight champion. However, the nature of the victory leaves room for speculation about a potential rematch with Bivol, especially given the tight scorecards and the controversy surrounding the decision.
Rematch or New Challenger?
While a rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol could be on the horizon, other contenders, like Anthony Yarde or Joshua Buatsi, may now seek their shot at the undisputed crown. Beterbiev’s dominance, combined with his aging (39 years old), makes future fights with younger and faster opponents an intriguing storyline.
Conclusion
The bout between Beterbiev and Bivol lived up to the hype, delivering a high-level chess match between power and precision. Despite Beterbiev’s victory, the controversy surrounding the decision leaves the door open for a possible rematch. The future of the light heavyweight division remains exciting, with many top contenders eager for their chance at the throne.