The long-awaited rematch between Russian boxers Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev for the title of absolute world champion in the light heavyweight division (up to 79.4 kg) took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia.
In a tense twelve-round confrontation, Bivol, despite a serious cut near his left eye in the final rounds, managed to win by majority decision. The scores of the judges' notes were 114:114, 116:112 and 115:113 in favor of the 34-year-old boxer.
This victory was historic for Dmitry Bivol, who now holds all the main titles in the light heavyweight division. His professional record improved to 24 wins (12 by knockout) with one defeat, which he has now managed to compensate for.
For 40-year-old Artur Beterbiev, this defeat was the first in his professional career after 21 victories, 20 of which he won by knockout. Earlier, in October, it was Beterbiev who held the status of absolute champion, having won his first fight against Bivol.
It is noteworthy that the fight also aroused great interest in Turkmenistan, where boxing fans were divided into two support camps. Local fans closely followed the athletes' preparations and actively discussed their chances of winning on social networks right up until the start of the fight.
