Dmitry Bivol became the undisputed light heavyweight champion with an impressive majority decision victory in a rematch against Artur Beterbiev on Saturday. And while the margin on the scorecards wasn’t that big, Bivol dominated Beterbiev for long parts of the fight. While many thought he also won the first encounter, one that Beterbiev edged by majority decision, is a trilogy the best way to go? How about Bivol versus secondary champion David Benavidez?
In the heavyweight division, Joseph Parker demolished late replacement Martin Bakole in two rounds, after IBF champion Daniel Dubois was forced to withdraw due to illness just two days before the bout. Will Parker get a chance to face unified champion Oleksandr Usyk next?
And how about Shakur Stevenson? He scored just his second stoppage win in his past six fights, and while the lightweight is one of the best fighters in the world, after going nine rounds with Josh Padley — a late replacement fighter who had no business contending with him in the ring — is Stevenson still must-see?
Vergil Ortiz Jr. earned a great win over Ismail Madrimov, showing he’s the best fighter at 154 pounds not named Terence Crawford. With Crawford moving up to super middleweight to face Canelo Alvarez in September, can anyone compete with Ortiz in the division? Might unified champion Sebastian Fundora be a great option for a next opponent?
Andreas Hale, Nick Parkinson and James Regan share their thoughts.
Can the trilogy fight surpass the first two? Let’s find out
Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev’s first clash back last October was so enthralling, it was hard to imagine things could get better. Yet somehow, in the early hours of Sunday morning in Riyadh, the two best light heavyweights put on an even better show that has left fans wanting more.
The first fight, which Beterbiev won by a wafer-thin decision to take the undisputed crown, was a technical, skillful display. Saturday’s rematch was more brutal, ferocious and captivating as Bivol snatched the belts off Beterbiev.
It poses the question: What on earth could a third fight possibly look like? Surely, it should be the fight that everybody wants.
Both men were exhausted after the final bell and will need time to recover. When the time is right, though, it is a rivalry befitting a trilogy.
Bivol has been linked with fights against David Benavidez and a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, but they can wait.
Beterbiev certainly won’t want Bivol to move on any time soon.
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was seen holding three fingers up to Beterbiev after the result, indicating that he wants them to go again as well. With the 24 rounds we’ve already seen, you can’t blame him.
Bivol came out like a man possessed, throwing everything at Beterbiev from the start. Beterbiev had his success, but Bivol was too slick and too powerful this time. He looked like a man who had been stewing in defeat for the past four months. That’s how Beterbiev will be feeling now. It would be a disservice to boxing to leave the ledger at 1-1.
However, time is not on their side. Beterbiev turned 40 in January, while Bivol is 34. Once the emotions have settled and wounds healed, you’d think they would be up for another go.
Fans certainly will be hoping so. — Regan
