Beterbiev-Bivol: Bivol Won the 2025 Rematch
The rivalry between two of boxing’s top light heavyweights produced a unification bout in October 2024 and a rematch in February 2025. Beterbiev won their first fight by majority decision on October 12, 2024. Bivol won their February 2025 rematch by majority decision, winning the undisputed light-heavyweight championship for the first time.
The Fighters
Artur Beterbiev
Known for his devastating power, Beterbiev entered their first fight unbeaten, having won every professional contest by knockout. The Russian-Canadian boxer tips the scales at 175 lbs, perfectly suited for the light heavyweight division. Beterbiev’s punching power is legendary, setting him apart from most of his peers.
Dmitry Bivol
The WBA light heavyweight champion, Bivol, brought a different set of skills to the table. While he did not possess the same raw power as Beterbiev, Bivol was renowned for his hand speed and technical prowess. His sixth-round stoppage of Malik Zinad in June 2024 helped set up the unification bout.
The Build-Up
The first fight was originally scheduled for earlier in 2024 but was postponed because of an injury to Beterbiev. The delay heightened anticipation, with both fighters using the extra time to prepare.
Before the first bout, reports described Beterbiev’s training regimen as tailored to prepare for Bivol’s style. That preparation preceded two closely contested fights that each went the distance.
Keys to Victory
In their October 2024 fight, Beterbiev’s pressure and power helped him rally late, while Bivol’s footwork, defense and crisp combinations gave him success in the early rounds. The judges returned scores of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 for Beterbiev, resulting in a majority decision.
The February 2025 rematch again went 12 rounds. Bivol made tactical adjustments and earned a majority decision, with two judges scoring for him and one card even. The outcomes showed how small shifts in distance, timing and sustained pressure could shape the result between two elite boxers.
What’s at Stake
The October 2024 contest unified the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO light-heavyweight titles, making Beterbiev the division’s undisputed champion. Their rematch carried the undisputed championship stakes again, as Bivol sought to avenge his only professional defeat and win all four belts.
Bivol achieved that goal in February 2025. With one win apiece after two fights, the rivalry remains finely balanced, and the rematch made Bivol the undisputed champion for the first time.
Conclusion
The first Beterbiev-Bivol fight ended with Beterbiev winning a majority decision in October 2024. Bivol avenged that loss with a majority-decision victory in their February 2025 rematch. Both bouts went 12 rounds, leaving the series level at one win apiece after two compelling contests at light heavyweight.
Citations:
[1] Boxing News 24 on X
[2] Boxing News 24
[3] Reuters: first fight result
[4] DAZN
[5] Bad Left Hook
[Result] Reuters: rematch result
Sources
Tags: Boxing
