Artur Beterbiev wins majority decision over Dmitry Bivol to go undisputed

Artur Beterbiev nicked the win over Dmitry Bivol, but not without any debate.

Artur Beterbiev became undisputed light heavyweight champion today, winning what will be a controversial majority decision over Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh.

Judges had the fight 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112, with the latter two cards obviously in Beterbiev’s favor, as he went the distance for the first time in his pro career to go to 21-0 (20 KO) and unify the 175 lb ranks with the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO titles.

Bad Left Hook had the fight even, 114-114, on two separate unofficial scorecards.

The fight never had big fireworks, but was a high-level boxing matchup with Bivol (23-1, 12 KO) having plenty of argument for the win.

Beterbiev clinched the win over the final three rounds, taking rounds 10 through 12 on all three scorecards. That brought Beterbiev even on one card, and gave him the 115-113 win on another, denying his opponent both of the cards where Bivol was up through nine rounds.

“I didn’t do good today. I wanted more quality. I’ll be better one day,” Beterbiev said in his typical fashion. “He has good skills, maybe better than me, but today Allah chose me.”

Beterbiev added that he did feel he’d done enough to win, but called waiting for the decision “uncomfortable,” noting, “Usually I don’t wait for the (final) bell.”

Asked about a possible rematch, Beterbiev replied, “If (Turki Alalshikh) wants it, we’ll do it.”

Bivol took nothing away from his opponent in defeat.

“I have to do everything perfect, and I don’t have any explanation, because it could look like excuses,” Bivol said. “Just congratulations to Artur and his team. He deserves it. No problem. I just have to make another decision for my future, that’s it.”

“I did my job. I felt that I could (do) better, I always can (do) better, just the opinion of judges. Congratulations, Artur. I didn’t see this fight. He won. What can I say?”

Bivol said he’s up for the rematch: “Why not? Of course, if I have the chance, yes. This is my dream to be undisputed.”