Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 LIVE: Result and fight reaction after undisputed classic and Parker vs Bakole
On a thrilling night of boxing in Riyadh, Dmitry Bivol captured the undisputed light heavyweight titles and revenge against Artur Beterbiev in a thrilling rematch as Joseph Parker knocked out Martin Bakole – who replaced the ill Daniel Dubois
Dmitry Bivol produced a majestic display to defeat Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light-heavyweight titles in a classic rematch four months after their first fight for all the major belts.
After Beterbiev won a controversial decision against Bivol last year, Bivol reversed the decision, this time with a majority decision to become the undisputed light-heavyweight king.
The main event followed a heavyweight war between Joseph Parker and late stand-in Martin Bakole. with the Kiwi dispatching his rival with a crushing second-round knockout.
A stacked undercard saw big wins for Callum Smith Shakur Stevenson, Agit Kabayel and Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Follow live reaction and all the results from Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 below:
Anthony Joshua calls for Callum Smith vs Anthony Yarde
"Between Callum and Buatsi, Callum is very humble, you don't expect that dog in him, but he showed it tonight,” Joshua tells DAZN.
“He threw a lot of punches, I got a lot of respect for Buatsi, I hope he'll be back. I said to him, Yarde fight, or Yarde vs Callum."
Bivol gains revenge over Beterbiev to become undisputed champion
Anthony Joshua pinpoints new tactic from Dmitry Bivol
Joshua says: "He switched it around tactically, gave away the first four or so rounds, Usyk does it, then he came on strong in the latter rounds
“It's a marathon, not a sprint, and he was there all the way through.”
Anthony Joshua calls for Bivol vs Beterbiev 3
“Take my money, I’m here for it, the first was great, the second was better,” Joshua tells DAZN
“They need the third fight to settle it. Bivol will want it again because he can.
“Beterbiev had to prove it, then he had to prove it again, but now he can come back and show his mettle.”
Beterbiev confirms plan to do third fight with Bivol
“I don’t want to talk about decision, just congratulations to Bivol,” says Beterbiev, with Turki Alalshikh.
“I think this fight better than first fight, we’ll see, but now my time to come back.
“Actually I don’t want second fight at all, wasn’t my choice, but we’ll do a third fight.”
Bivol eyes rest after victory over Beterbiev
“I’m ready for any challenge in the future, but I want a rest, I had an injury and I was using anti-inflammation,” adds the new champion.
“I’ll come back though.”
Bivol reacts to victory over Beterbiev
What was different, Dmitry?
“Just me, I was better, I pushed myself, I was more confident and I was lighter, I wanted to win so much today.
“I just told myself, he could start from the beginning to destruct me, to disturb me, it was hard to keep him on the distance, four rounds, then I saw he was also tired. I have to punch more clean punches.”
Bivol reacts to victory over Beterbiev
“I’m just so happy, I went through a lot the last years,” Bivol tells DAZN.
“I lost and I feel a little bit easier, I didn’t pressure too much this time like before. I was just wanting to work from the first round to the 12th and hope I did enough.
“I won this!”
Bivol defeats Beterbiev by MD to seize undisputed light-heavyweight world title
The winner by majority decision, 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113... Dmitry Bivol!
Bivol almost collapses in relief, Eddie Hearn screams in his ear in delight. He is wrapped in all the belts. It’s revenge for Bivol!
A grin from Beterbiev, disappointment, but these men will surely do it all over again for a third time.
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