Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev may not have the flashy marketing of some of their fellow stars, but their latest showdown has proven they’re two of the best fighters in the game right now. The highly anticipated rematch was a tactical, high-intensity battle that saw Bivol emerge victorious by unanimous decision, with scores of 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113. This win makes him the new undisputed champion of the light heavyweight division, holding the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF titles.
Bivol’s impressive performance saw him use his legs to dance around the ring for 12 rounds, outmaneuvering Beterbiev, who seemed to run out of steam and lose effectiveness as the fight wore on. Bivol triumphed in every aspect of the fight, showcasing his technical, physical, and mental superiority. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is: will there be a trilogy fight or a showdown against Benavidez?
The new champion came out strong, setting a high rhythm to score rounds. He moved agilely, using his quick legs to evade Beterbiev’s attacks, and unleashed a flurry of combinations with both hands. Although Beterbiev intensified his pursuit in the third round, Bivol adjusted his strategy, matching his opponent’s pace andneutralizing his offense. The duel of styles was intriguing, with Bivol’s speed and agility pitted against Beterbiev’s relentless pressure.
As the fight progressed, Bivol’s cardio proved to be a decisive factor. He recovered quickly between rounds and stepped on the accelerator in the seventh and eighth rounds, landing several powerful blows that left Beterbiev reeling. Despite Beterbiev’s impressive physical power, Bivol’s conditioning allowed him to maintain his intensity throughout the contest. In the end, Bivol’s dominance was clear, and the judges’ decision was well-deserved, although one judge surprisingly scored the fight a draw.
Parker Wins with a Bang Against Bakole
Joseph Parker, who was initially slated to face Daniel Dubois for the world heavyweight title, instead took on replacement opponent Martin Bakole and emerged victorious with a technical knockout in the second round. Bakole, who had been helping with construction work in his city just days prior, weighed in at a hefty 142 kg and was clearly out of shape. Despite his lack of preparation, Bakole had previously served as a sparring partner for notable fighters like Fury, Usyk, and Joshua, and was expected to pose a challenge for Parker.
However, Parker’s exceptional form and conditioning proved too much for the Congolese fighter. A strange blow to the head, which seemed to stun Bakole, ultimately led to his downfall. Parker’s impressive performance has set him up for a highly anticipated showdown against Dubois.
Shakur Stevenson Retains Title Against Replacement Opponent
Shakur Stevenson had no trouble defending his WBC lightweight title against replacement opponent Josh Padley, who stepped in just four days prior to the fight. Stevenson, who remained undefeated with a record of 23-0, sent Padley crashing to the canvas three times in the ninth round, prompting the referee to stop the contest. Although Padley showed bravery in the early rounds, Stevenson’s technique and skill eventually took over, and he began to dominate the fight from the fourth round onwards.
Judges’ Scandal in Adames Fight
Carlos Adames retained his WBC middleweight title against Hamzah Sheeraz, but the judges’ decision was widely disputed. Despite Adames’ clear superiority throughout the contest, the verdict was a tie, with one judge scoring the fight 118-110 in favor of Adames, another scoring it 115-114 for Sheeraz, and the third judge calling it a draw. The outcome was met with widespread criticism, with many feeling that Adames had been robbed of a deserved victory. The questionable judging has sparked controversy in the boxing world, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in the sport.