DMITRY BIVOL is the new light-heavyweight champion of the world after a thrilling win over Artur Beterbiev. The 34-year-old won out against his bitter rival in a gruelling slug-fest in Riyadh. Beterbiev won a controversial majority decision in last October's first meeting.
![[Dmitrii Bivol celebrates a boxing victory.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-dmitrii-bivol-celebrates-winning-974252333.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And the veteran looked to be in tip-top shape as he took the fight to his younger opponent in the early stages. The fight ebbed and flowed, with both fighters enjoying moments in the ascendency. But it was Bivol who appeared to finish the strongest, landing fast combinations in the championship rounds.
![[Dmitrii Bivol bleeding from a cut above his eye after a boxing match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/detailed-view-dmitrii-bivol-cut-974251450.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
After 12 rounds, the contest went to the judges who scored it to Bivol on majority decision. An emotional Bivol told DAZN: "I'm just so happy. "I went through a lot over the years. Thank you everyone so much. "I didn't feel the pressure like the last fight. I just wanted to work from the first round until the 12th.
![[Artur Beterbiev celebrating a boxing victory.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-artur-beterbiev-fight-dmitrii-974241052_342381.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"I was better this time. I was pushing myself more. I was confident and I was lighter. I wanted to win so much today.". BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
![[Dmitrii Bivol punches Artur Beterbiev during a boxing match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/dmitrii-bivol-punches-artur-beterbiev-974241091_78df62.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
