Light heavyweight boxing champion Dmitry Bivol’s revenge against Artur Beterbiev caused many in his hometown to celebrate in the streets.
Dmitry Bivol got his revenge over Artur Beterbiev in their monumental light heavyweight clash this weekend in Riyadh. After 12 rounds, Bivol defeated Beterbiev by majority decision to reclaim his light heavyweight belts.
It was a stunning scene in the Bivol vs. Beterbiev rematch after Beterviev handed Bivol his first career defeat in October. Now at one win apiece, a trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev is the most likely option for both combatants.
Bivol, a native of Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, is seen as a hero in his hometown. Hundreds stayed up into the early morning hours on Sunday (local time) to witness his redemption against Beterbiev.
Dmitry Bivol’s hometown erupts in cheers after defeating Artur Beterbiev
As Bivol shared to his Instagram story, hundreds of fans erupted in cheers as the official decision went in his favor. He bounced back from his first-career defeat, and overcame a slow start in the rematch, to complete his redemption tour.
Bivol cemented himself as a global star when he defeated Canelo Alvarez by unanimous decision in May 2022 to retain the WBA light heavyweight title. He’s followed up the Alvarez fight with recent victories over Gilberto Ramirez and Lyndon Arthur, demonstrating rare technique and precision for a light heavyweight boxer.
Meanwhile, Beterbiev suffered his first career loss to Bivol this weekend after winning his first 21 professional fights. Before his two fights with Bivol, Beterbiev earned recent wins over Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
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Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev trilogy on the table after epic rematch
Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season could potentially book the Bivol vs. Beterbiev trilogy to finish their rivalry. But David Benavidez was also in attendance at Bivol vs. Beterbiev 2 in hopes of clashing with the winner for a shot at undisputed status.
Bivol also called for a potential boxing match with Jake Paul in recent months, but that remains a far-fetched pursuit. Paul’s boxing return is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Bivol is basking in the glory of victory once again, and regardless of what’s next for him, he has the love and support of a nation on his shoulders.