Did Bivol Really Lose?

In one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches of the year, Artur Beterbiev edged out Dmitrii Bivol to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight, which many expected to be a clash of styles, delivered on every front—power against precision, pressure against patience. But as the dust settled, one question lingered: Did Bivol really lose?

From the opening bell, Bivol executed his game plan beautifully. His footwork, movement, and ability to dart in and out of range kept the ever-dangerous Beterbiev at bay. Bivol's sharp combinations landed cleanly, frustrating his opponent and forcing him to reset time and time again. For the first three rounds, Bivol appeared to be in control, showcasing the same technical mastery that helped him defeat Canelo Alvarez just a couple of years ago.

But things shifted in round four. Beterbiev, realizing he needed to change the pace, began to cut off the ring and pressure Bivol more aggressively. This adjustment seemed to disrupt Bivol's rhythm, and the slick combinations that had been so effective early on became less frequent. As Beterbiev stalked Bivol around the ring, the momentum began to shift, though Bivol remained competitive.

The seventh round saw a spark of hope for Bivol fans when he rocked Beterbiev with a solid shot. However, the veteran Beterbiev, known for his toughness, responded immediately, turning the round into a back-and-forth brawl. It was one of those rounds that left everyone unsure who had the upper hand—too close to call.

Both fighters were showing signs of fatigue, not just from the physical toll, but from the mental warfare playing out in the ring. In the ninth round, Bivol found his groove again, using the same combinations and movement that had given Beterbiev trouble earlier. But just when it seemed like Bivol might regain control, Beterbiev’s corner sent him out in the eleventh with one clear instruction: go for the knockout.

And Beterbiev responded like a warrior. He hunted Bivol down, unloading powerful punches, and for the first time in the fight, Bivol looked like he was in survival mode. Though Bivol had moments in the final round, Beterbiev’s relentless pressure left a lasting impression on the judges.

When the scorecards were read, one judge saw it a draw, 114-114. But the other two leaned toward Beterbiev, giving him the victory with scores of 115-113 and 116-112. The latter score, in particular, has sparked controversy, with many feeling it did not reflect the razor-thin margins of the fight.

So, did Bivol really lose? In the strict sense of the scorecards, yes. But for many, this was a fight that could have gone either way. Bivol’s technical brilliance was on full display, while Beterbiev’s power and determination ultimately swayed the judges. This fight was not just about physical skills, but about who could impose their will when it mattered most.

Calls for a rematch are already echoing through the boxing world, and it's hard to argue against it. With both men showing they can adjust and compete at the highest level, a second fight in 2025 would be just as tantalizing. But for now, Beterbiev stands alone as the first undisputed light heavyweight champion of the four-belt era—a historic achievement worthy of celebration.

Still, for those who saw the fight, the debate remains: Did Bivol really lose? Perhaps only round 13 can tell us for sure.