All Dmitry Bivol needed was a shot at redemption. And with it, he became the undisputed light heavyweight boxing champion of the world.
Bivol avenged an October loss to Artur Beterbiev in a championship-packed night of action. The bout headlined the card from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Related: Boxing Tonight: Fight Card, TV Info And Latest Betting Odds For Upcoming Fights On DAZN, ESPN, More
Beterbiev, who scored a majority decision some 130 days ago, suffered his first loss – just like Bivol did in the first meeting.
“I was better,” Bivol said (thanks to CBS Sports for the quotes). “I was pushing myself more, more confident, lighter and I just wanted to win so much.”
Beterbiev, who had plenty of swelling from the damage he took, said “I don’t want to talk about the decision (just) congratulate Bivol and his team.”
While there are contenders waiting, it is likely a rematch will be put together. Both bouts were as close as possible between two of the best fighters in the world.
Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev Card Features Several Championship Matches
The card featured several championship bouts outside of the main event between Bivol and Beterbiev. One of those saw Shakur Stevenson defend his title with a ninth-round TKO over Josh Padley.
Carlos Adames and Vergil Ortiz Jr. followed, as both left with their titles. Adames battled Hamzah Sheeraz to a split draw while Ortiz topped Israil Madrimov via decision.
JosephParker stopped Martin Bakole in the second round, Agit Kabayel finished Zhilei Zhang and Callum Smith topped Joshua Buatsi.
Read more: Gervonta Davis next fight: ‘Tank’ Makes His Return In March on Prime Video
