Artur Beterbiev wins skillful 12-rounder over Dmitry Bivol

Artur Beterbiev is the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world.

His victory over formally undefeated Dmitry Bivol will spark arguments for years.

That’s fine. The fight was close.

Promoter Eddie Hearn, never shy to voice his opinion, said, “Hopefully (Turki Alalshikh) will do the decent thing and give Bivol a rematch. It was a masterclass performance in an amazing fight, and I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev, because he’s an incredible champion. But he did not win that fight. Dmitry Bivol won that fight.”

This writer thought Bivol edged it, but I have no issue with the decision.

Anyone saying it was a robbery is ridiculous.

Both fighters showed high skill and technical superiority.

Dmitry Bivol was sharp and on point. He used his legs to frustrate Beterbiev and tattooed him with jabs and solid right hands. Beterbiev pursued and waited. He fired a few jabs into the body.  Bivol landed combinations in round two. He was younger and quicker, but Beterbiev stayed near him. He ate more blows but didn’t blink. He was making Bivol work for every success he had.

Beterbiev upped the ante in round four – connecting with a solid right.. Bivol fired a combination. Beterbiev answered back. It was smooth versus strength.

The pace appeared to get Bivol in round six, though his jab continued to score points. Beterbiev worked the body and head. His pressure was relentless. Bivol clipped him with a sweet hand.

Before round seven, Beterbiev’s corner told him, “Nobody can beat you.”

Bivol opened up in the heat, missing more than landing, but reminding Beterbiev that he wasn’t going anywhere. Beterbiev appeared stunned after a combo but quickly recovered. He swatted Bivol away with a left to the head.

Though appearing to tire – due to Beterbiev’s relentless pressure, Bivol’s defense remained responsible. He was always aware of what was chasing him.  Round eight was quiet, though both fighters opened up to impress the judges. Tough to score.  Beterbiev clipped Bivol with a left hook in round nine.  Bivol as if insulted, fired a combination that landed. His work was classy.

With nine minutes to go, the fight was in the balance. Beterbiev had come on, but the intelligent Bivol was still managing to keep him at bay with his superior boxing skills and faster hands.

Beterbiev came out punching in round 10. He landed a few but couldn’t hurt Bivol. Beterbiev pushed Bivol harder, attacking as if he smelled blood but perhaps sensing that he was losing. Blood leaked from Bivol’s left eye as Beterbiev worked away – landing a few combos. None hurt Bivol, but the momentum was with Beterbiev.

He was making the fight.

Bivol tried to take the play away from Beterbiev in the opening seconds of the 12th and final round, but Beterbiev kept chasing and punching. Bivol tried to keep Beterbiev off him with his jab, but Beterbiev refused to give an inch. Strength.

Scores were 114-114, 115-113, and a hard to fathom 116-112 for Beterbiev.

A rematch is a no-brainer.

Said Beterbiev, “If His Excellency wants it {a rematch}, then we can do it.”