WATCH: The key moments of Beterbiev v Bivol 1
With boxing fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on February 22nd, take a look back to when the pair first met.
On October 12 2024, two undefeated light-heavyweight titans met. The bout, held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was billed as the “IV Crown Showdown,” with both fighters putting their respective titles on the line to crown an undisputed champion.
Leading up to the fight, Beterbiev, renowned for his 100% knockout ratio, was considered the slight favourite, having previously won the WBC, IBF, and WBO titles. Conversely, Bivol, the WBA (Super) champion looked set to make this a classic matchup of power versus precision.
The fight unfolded as a tactical battle, with Bivol utilising his movement and jab to keep Beterbiev at bay in the early rounds. According to CompuBox statistics, Bivol connected on 50% of his power punches, while Beterbiev landed 29% of his.
Bivol landed 33 power punches over the first six rounds, compared to Beterbiev’s 23, showcasing his early dominance.
However, as the fight progressed into the later rounds, Beterbiev’s relentless pressure began to shift the momentum. In rounds eleven and twelve, Beterbiev landed 29 power punches, while Bivol landed 19, indicating a strong finish by Beterbiev.
The combatants were separated by four or fewer landed punches in eight of the twelve rounds, highlighting the bout’s closeness and competitiveness.
After twelve gruelling rounds, the judges rendered a majority decision in favour of Beterbiev, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. This victory crowned Beterbiev as the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, unifying all major belts in the division.
The boxing community’s enthusiasm for a rematch has been rewarded, as Beterbiev and Bivol are set to face each other again on 22nd February 2025 in Riyadh. This rematch promises to be another electrifying contest, with an amazing undercard lineup. Beterbiev will be aiming to assert his dominance decisively, while Bivol seeks redemption and the opportunity to reclaim his status atop the light-heavyweight division.
As the date approaches, fans and analysts alike are speculating on potential adjustments from both fighters. Beterbiev’s camp has hinted at a more aggressive approach, possibly seeking a knockout to avoid the judges’ scorecards. Meanwhile, Bivol is expected to refine his strategy to counter Beterbiev’s power more effectively. This rematch not only holds significant implications for their legacies but also for the landscape of the light-heavyweight division.