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:
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 and Parker vs Bakole
- AND THE NEW! Bivol defeats Beterbiev by MD to seize undisputed light-heavyweight world titles
- Joseph Parker smashes Martin Bakole in two rounds following Daniel Dubois withdrawal after illness
- Stevenson eventually stops late-notice underdog Padley to stay champion
- Sheeraz handed lucky draw to stay unbeaten as Adames keeps WBC middleweight strap
- Ortiz Jr outpoints Madrimov to keep WBC interim super-welterweight title
- Kabayel climbs off canvas to stop Zhang and win vacant WBC interim heavyweight title
- Smith wins firefight to hand Buatsi his first loss and take WBO interim light-heavyweight belt
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 official scorecards: Did judges get it right in undisputed rematch?
11:02 , Alex PattleThe scorecards in last night’s rematch read 114-114, 116-112, 115-113, with the latter two in Bivol’s favour, but was that the correct ruling?
In the article below are the official, round-by-round scorecards from the judges, followed by a detailed breakdown of how Indy Sport scored the bout...
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 official scorecards: Did the judges get it right?
Dmitry Bivol discusses vengeance against Artur Beterbiev
09:56 , Alex PattleRespect between two great rivals
07:00 , Alex Pattle
Dmitry Bivol holds all the gold...
06:00 , Alex Pattle
Beterbiev vs Bivol 3?
05:00 , Jack RathbornAdam Azim: “I can just watch these two fight over and over again.
“They should only ever fight each other. No point fighting any other light heavy weight - just keep fighting each other.”
Michael Conlan: “They are the perfect dance partner, Bivol rightful winner in my eyes but I want to see the trilogy!!!”
Inspired Dmitry Bivol avenges loss to Artur Beterbiev in undisputed title thriller
04:00 , Jack RathbornDmitry Bivol avenged his loss to Artur Beterbiev with an inspired showing on Saturday, taking the undisputed light-heavyweight titles in a thriller in Riyadh.
In October, Beterbiev won a narrow, majority decision over Bivol in the same Saudi city, unifying all the belts and handing Bivol his first professional loss. On Saturday, Bivol flipped the script, winning a majority decision against his fellow part-Russian, who had never before been beaten.
Bivol’s victory saw him go one better than in October, when he became the first man to avoid a knockout by power-puncher Beterbiev. While the scorecards in that fight, an intriguing contest, were controversial, Bivol admitted afterwards that he would have to “add more” in a rematch.
Inspired Dmitry Bivol avenges loss to Artur Beterbiev in undisputed title thriller
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: AI judge makes decision on undisputed rematch
03:00 , Jack RathbornBeterbiev vs Bivol 2 punch stats
02:00 , Jack Rathborn
Agit Kabayel calls for a world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk or Daniel Dubois
01:30 , Jack Rathborn"My coach believed in me, it was a hard camp. Chinese power vs Kurdish power? Kurdish power wins.
“The fans will say it, let them say it, Kabayel is ready for a world title shot."
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2: That winning moment!
01:00 , Jack Rathborn𝐓𝐇𝐄 crowning moment...@bivol_d x @VadimKTeam x @EddieHearn ✨#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/w57WZCP2K6
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) February 23, 2025
Anthony Joshua calls for Callum Smith vs Anthony Yarde
00:30 , Jack Rathborn"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
00:14 , Jack Rathborn
Anthony Joshua pinpoints new tactic from Dmitry Bivol
00:08 , Jack RathbornJoshua 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
00:06 , Jack Rathborn“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
00:01 , Jack Rathborn“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
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:58 , Jack Rathborn“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
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:57 , Jack RathbornWhat 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
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:55 , Jack Rathborn“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
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:53 , Jack RathbornThe 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.
Beterbiev v Bivol 2 goes to judges' scorecards
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:52 , Jack Rathborn“He closed it out,” Porter says of Beterbiev. “I got this fight a draw.”
Chris Mannix on DAZN has it 115-113 to Bivol on his unofficial scorecard.
Bivol produces sublime display in Beterbiev rematch as we go to the judges' scorecards
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:47 , Jack RathbornRound 12
Bivol up on his feet, perhaps with a lead of three? We have him up 7-4.
Bivol moving now, Beterbiev chasing and throwing with more urgency, is it too late?
Bivol is cut! Beterbiev desperate and trying to force something, big shots raining in, Bivol trapped on the ropes, ties up the champion. The onslaught has arrived, but it’s surely too late...
Both men embrace, a nod, there’s immense respect after 24 rounds shared. Bivol the winner, according to the DAZN broadcast, we’ve got it to Bivol too, 115-113.
Beterbiev and Bivol combine to deliver classic rematch
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:45 , Jack RathbornRound 11
Chris Mannix on DAZN now has Bivol with a lead, 96-94, on the unofficial scorecard.
Punches thrown through 10 rounds: Beterbiev 578-450 Bivol.
Those long limbs from Bivol, he has that elasticity there, one-two and move. It’s proven a tidy formula tonight.
Eddie Hearn is roaring his fighter on, but suddenly the pair open up. Big right hand from Bivol. He’s starting to believe. One round away...
Beterbiev and Bivol combine to deliver classic rematch
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:41 , Jack RathbornRound 10
This one is getting cagey down the stretch, the championship rounds are here.
Now Beterbiev starting to look like he’s chasing Bivol around the ring, rather than closing it off.
A good jab from the champion, but a flurry from Bivol in the final three seconds. He’s surely on top now.
Beterbiev and Bivol combine to deliver classic rematch
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:37 , Jack RathbornRound 9
Mannix has this one even at 4-4. The flow to this fight has been brilliant, no need to break them up.
Bivol ducks under a big right from Beterbiev, magical.
Side to side, one-two, side to side, one-two... It’s a joy to watch Bivol like this. Beterbiev struggling to pin him down now. But there was a crushing body shot from Beterbiev.
Bivol rediscovers rhythm against Beterbiev
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:32 , Jack RathbornRound 8
Jab, left hook from Bivol, tidy work from the outside.
That punch, through seven rounds:
Thrown: 257-206
Landed: 29-57
Bouncing now and throwing hooks, now the jab has various points of attack once more, crisp shots.
That right from Beterbiev a reminder of the danger he poses. But much better from the challenger, who might have opened up a gap if the judges side with him in those close rounds. 5-3.
Beterbiev pegged back by Bivol in rematch?
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:30 , Jack RathbornRound 7
Porter has it 4-2 to Beterbiev, but there have been a couple of close rounds.
Bivol’s corner massaged his legs between rounds, he’ll need them to remain springy as this fight reaches the championship rounds.
The pace has dipped a little, Bivol now waiting to counter, rather than trying to break down Beterbiev. A closer round here. Bivol might’ve nicked it.
Beterbiev seizes control over Bivol as half-way stage approaches
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:25 , Jack RathbornRound 6
A 10th world title defence for Beterbiev... That was real volume from the champion in the fifth, he threw 76 punches to 31 from Bivol, landing 21 to the challenger’s 11.
Darren Barker says Beterbiev was on a treadmill in a hotel’s gym this morning, watching the first fight on a phone.
Bivol’s gloves up and he’s circling in survival mode, but then he holds his feet and throws a combination. Both men cut up.
Jab, jab, right to the body, nice from Bivol. Both men wrestle in the corner as Beterbiev threatened to provoke a throwdown. Another round for the champ. 3-3.
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 in the balance
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:20 , Jack RathbornRound 5
Chris Mannix on DAZN has this fight 2-2, we have Bivol up 3-1.
A bit of a stand-off, but then Beterbiev breaks the truce by spearing a jab towards Bivol. The pace has been ferocious.
A lovely shot from Bivol, reaching in with the left, he’s tagging Beterbiev’s body aplenty.
Huge shot from Beterbiev, Bivol in trouble, but just about staggers into some space and graciously the bell sounds to prevent the onslaught. Beterbiev’s round. 3-2.
Beterbiev pulls back momentum to club Bivol with thudding rights
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:14 , Jack RathbornRound 4
Beterbiev roared on, he fires a massive right that catches Bivol’s head, but then he scurries away. The right hand is ominously finding a home for the champion.
Bivol starting to get knocked around the ring a little, Beterbiev jabs low, the pressure is immense.
Now a whipping left slashes the body of Bivol, he looks menacing, he’s on top here and momentum has swung back viciously.
A first round for the champion, surely. Both men exchanged thudding jabs in the closing seconds, Beterbiev looks overly keen to connect with the right, loading up at every opportunity.
Bivol on top against Beterbiev in engrossing undisputed rematch
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:11 , Jack RathbornRound 3
Get ready for a war, as Beterbiev revs the engine a little, storming out to force Bivol into a short sprint.
Winging right misses by miles, Bivol dancing tonight, it’s early but this is a wonderful start for the challenger.
Beterbiev getting closer, but then Bivol with the uppercut! What a tempo this is, a furious third round.
CARNAGE! Beterbiev detonates, Bivol is in trouble, he fires back, the crowd is on its feet, both men exchanging meaty shots and throwing down, this is brilliant.
Beterbiev and Bivol engage in fiery start to rematch
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:08 , Jack RathbornRound 2
Bivol is electric, jabbing but then pouncing on his rival with volume. Down low now with the jab, Beterbiev computing what is in front of him.
RIGHT HAND! Huge shot but Beterbiev undeterred...
Beterbiev *slightly* flustered, ragged at the end of the round as Bivol starts to emit some swagger. That’s another round to the challenger, it was a check, counter right hand and then Bivol punched home a few jabs. Marvellous. 2-0.
Beterbiev and Bivol begin rematch for undisputed title
Saturday 22 February 2025 23:02 , Jack RathbornRound 1
Here we go! Both fighters jabbing as we begin ‘Round 13’... The atmosphere? There is one suddenly, shouts from the fans.
The champion doubles it up, gets a little closer, reaching down to the body.
Bivol shuffles clockwise... Beterbiev seizing the centre of the ring.
Saudi national anthem rings out minutes before Beterbiev v Bivol 2
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:57 , Jack Rathborn
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 moments away in Riyadh
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:55 , Jack RathbornHere comes Bivol, business mode... A silver gown, sleeveless, he looks dialled in. It’s a shortened ring walk...
Now the champion...
Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 moments away in Riyadh
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:52 , Jack RathbornOK, here we go... Michael Buffer has cleared his throat...
The undisputed rematch is here, will it live up to the expectations and hype?
Turki Alalshikh provides update on boxing schedule in 2025
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:43 , Jack Rathborn"We have around 7,000, they came from the beginning, each fight can be a main event,” Turki Alalshikh says on DAZN.
“It is big and it is the best, we will have a lot of updates coming this year, next Eubank v Benn at Tottenham Stadium, New York, Haney, Canelo on 3 May, then the big fight with Canelo v Crawford in September, Haney Garcia in October and Inoue in November.
“We're talking with Queensberry and Matchroom in July - five vs five again. If I think Matchroom has a chance [against Oscar De Le Hoya], I’ll do it [5 vs 5].”
Joseph Parker TKO2 Martin Bakole
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:38 , Jack Rathborn
Parker reacts to big win over Bakole
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:33 , Jack Rathborn“I’m fit, strong, healthy and sharp,” Parker says.
“Andy (Lee) broke it down for me, can I fight for the world title next?
“If Usyk wants a dance partner? I want to fight for a world title again.
“That’s the best way. Catch them when they’re coming in.I will fight anyone and everyone.”
Parker makes huge statement to pour doubt on Usyk v Dubois 2
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:30 , Jack RathbornTop of the head, Bakole took a moment, swaying from side to side, then crumbled in the ring.
Parker made room to his left and looped the right over the top and clipped Bakole’s head. Devastating.
Dubois has the belt, but can the optics of Usyk fighting Dubois next? Fans will have legitimate arguments that Parker might have beaten Dubois tonight.
Parker knocks out Bakole with devastating shot in round two!
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:27 , Jack RathbornA war, a shoot-out... Parker has wiped out Bakole, GAME OVER!
That is genuine, game-changing power from the Kiwi, he is a problem and now arguably entering his peak moment as a professional.
This looks a more polished Parker, since the first world title reign.
Savvy and patient, but now with that extraordinary power to turn his opponent upside down!
How can Oleksandr Usyk fight Daniel Dubois after that?
Parker vs Bakole
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:25Round 2
That one almost erupted in the final seconds of the round, the menacing Bakole looked outraged and furious as that body shot snuck in, with the niceties discarded briefly. Chess match? It can’t last, Bakole with an uppercut, then a swiping left. He’s so upright, straight forward, he wants to walk through Parker and swat him away like a fly. Parker’s nose has a red blemish.
Good body shot, Bakole! The uppercut just before too, Parker dragged into an energy-sapping slug-fest. Then Parker detonates, Bakole barely shook... KABOOM!! Bakole on the deck, it’s a HUGE SHOT!
Parker vs Bakole
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:22 , Jack RathbornRound 1
Bakole is HUGE, at 315 pounds, his mid-section is extraordinarily round, with the tartan trunks, adopted by Scotland, can he shake up the heavyweight division? He’s plodding forward, jabbing with his right hand tucked in by his waist in that southpaw stance. Some speed, too!
Parker figuring this out on the fly, looking to box behind the jab, but Bakole is ominously poised to unleash bombs.
Joseph Parker battles Martin Bakole after Daniel Dubois' dramatic late withdrawal
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:19 , Jack RathbornRight then, stepping in for Alex for this one, and it is one of the most anticipated fights after just two days since its confirmation.
It’s peculiar, strange and yet intriguing for the glamour division in the sport.
Joseph Parker boxes Martin Bakole on two days' notice after Daniel Dubois falls ill
Saturday 22 February 2025 22:10Joseph Parker would not want your pity, not least because he expects to beat Martin Bakole tonight. But the reality is, the New Zealander has taken a massive, surely unnecessary risk on two day’s notice: a risk to his legacy, his future earnings, and his health.
Forty-eight hours before fight night, a night on which Parker was due to box for a world title for the first time in seven years, he found that the mechanism of his redemption lacked a crucial cog: a world champion to beat.
Daniel Dubois fell ill, then fell out of his IBF title defence against Parker, guaranteeing that the latter will not become a two-time world champion this weekend. Now, the fear among those who sympathise with the “nicest guy in boxing” is that Parker may never become a two-time champion.
To be clear: the odds rightly favour Parker in his clash with Bakole, who replaces Dubois on two days’ notice. And yet there is no doubt: accepting a short-notice fight with Bakole, the “most-avoided” heavyweight in boxing, is a major risk.
That fight is just seconds away. Full preview here:
Money, legacy, health: Joseph Parker is risking it all on two days’ notice
Stevenson eventually stops late-notice underdog Padley to stay champion
Saturday 22 February 2025 21:57 , Alex PattleRound nine
Finally Padley goes down! A southpaw cross drops him! He thuds the mat with his glove, showing his annoyance.
Padley is back up, and Shakur is landing again – but Padley is, too! His courage has been something to see.
Oh! Down goes Padley again, this time from a body shot. He’s up again, to cheers in the Kingdom Arena!
Another body shot puts down Padley again, and he’s up in time for the bell, but the towel comes in!! It’s all over!
Boos from the crowd.
Shakur Stevenson def. Josh Padley via TKO (corner stoppage, 3:00)
Shakur Stevenson (C) vs Josh Padley – WBC lightweight title
Saturday 22 February 2025 21:44 , Alex PattleRound six
Padley with a slightly messy but successful combination at close range.
Shakur with a big right hook to the head, and Padley retreats. Now Shakur lands to the body, before teeing off to the head with a trio of spiteful, straight punches!
Padley’s head is rocked back badly by each one, yet still he keeps throwing!
Now Padley is backed up to the ropes, and Shakur is pouring on the offence, seeking a finish...
But back comes Padley! How?! The crowd cheers, and Shakur looks out into the stands in disbelief!
Padley is a winner tonight, no matter what. Every time Shakur has a spell of success, Padley defiantly throws a combo of his own!
Shakur Stevenson (C) vs Josh Padley – WBC lightweight title
Saturday 22 February 2025 21:36 , Alex PattleRound four
Shakur steps in with a straight, and Padley retaliates with a hook. He then chases Shakur into the corner with another hook, but he smothers his work slightly.
Padley is struggling with Shakur’s jab again. Now Shakur steps back to evade a cross to the body.
It is silent in the arena, by the way.
Shakur Stevenson (C) vs Josh Padley – WBC lightweight title
Saturday 22 February 2025 21:24 , Alex PattleRound one
At just 27, Shakur is already a three-weight champion.
But he needs a big showing after a few uninspired performances – especially as Padley is stepping in on short notice and isn’t considered in the same league.
Yet Padley, 29, is unbeaten, upset Mark Chamberlain last time out, and he’ll back himself.
In fact, the orthodox boxer backs up his southpaw opponent and lands a couple of decent rights!
Hard left hook the body after a right cross upstairs. Shakur tries to laugh it off.
Sheeraz handed lucky draw to stay unbeaten as Adames keeps WBC middleweight strap
Saturday 22 February 2025 21:05 , Alex PattleRound 12
Sheeraz’s corner tells him he needs a knockout! I’d agree. Here we go, can he produce it??
Adames starts stronger, with short shots at close range. Sheeraz comes back with a left hook – and another. A cross just about gets through for Adames. Sheeraz barely misses with a hard hook attempt.
More pressure from Adames. Jab upstairs, jab to the body. Sheeraz with a double-jab, right hand, but they don’t land with any power.
Adames is going after the challenger now! Great engine and intent from the champ! Sheeraz with a decent left hook...
We’ll go to the scorecards. Adames has SURELY done enough.
Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz ends as split draw (114-115, 118-110, 114-114)
My word. Adames is denied a rightful win – yet another fight tonight with poor, poor scoring. Sheeraz stays unbeaten, Adames keeps his belt at least.
Ortiz Jr outpoints Madrimov to keep WBC interim super-welterweight title
Saturday 22 February 2025 20:01 , Alex PattleRound 12
Three more minutes!
Lots of grappling, with intermittent exchanges. Ortiz Jr is just getting the better of them, which might carry him across the line in this fight...
Madrimov AGAIN gets warned for leading with his head. His last warning was meant to be the final one, but the ref has let him off.
We go to the scorecards. This may be close... Ortiz Jr just edged it in the end, for our money...
Vergil Ortiz Jr def. Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision (117-111, 115-113, 115-113)
And Ortiz Jr retains his title, as well as his unbeaten record!
Another POOR scorecard in there, as with the Buatsi-Smith fight, but thankfully neither has affected a result tonight...
Agit Kabayel climbs off canvas to stop Zhilei Zhang and win vacant WBC interim heavyweight belt
Saturday 22 February 2025 18:57 , Alex PattleRound six
Oh!! Kabayel half-drops Zhang with a body shot, and the ref leads the German away... but Zhang receives no count?! What an odd moment.
Kabayel looks to build on that success anyway, snapping back the head of Zhang with a one-two!
Blood is smeared around Zhang’s face now. He looks sooo tired.
And THIS TIME he goes down from a combination to the body, no question about it!
He’s kneeling, wincing badly... and can’t beat the count! Kabayel stops Zhang in round six!!!
Kabayel: still unbeaten, now the WBC interim heavyweight champion. Regular champ Oleksandr Usyk enters the ring and hands him the belt!
Agit Kabayel def. Zhilei Zhang via sixth-round KO (2:29)
Smith wins firefight to hand Buatsi his first loss and take WBO interim light-heavyweight title
Saturday 22 February 2025 18:21 , Alex PattleCallum Smith def. Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision (119-110, 115-113, 116-112)
And NEW WBO interim light-heavyweight champion!
Smith deservedly wins an absolute firefight, taking the belt from Buatsi and ruining the Londoner’s unbeaten record.
HOWEVER... That 119-110 scorecard is mindblowing. Not good scoring at all.
Anyway. Massive credit to both boxers. Look at Smith below, warrior.
