Beterbiev and Bivol rivalry intensifies after Riyadh rematch
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol split a $20 million purse following their second encounter in Riyadh. As Beterbiev seeks a trilogy, the light heavyweight landscape shifts due to IBF status changes and interest in a Russian rematch hosted by Umar Kremlev.
The fight for revenge
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol share a 1-1 split after two majority decision battles. Beterbiev won the first encounter on October 12, 2024, with scores of 115-113 and 116-112, while one judge saw 114-114. Bivol avenged that loss on February 22, 2025, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. Bivol earned $10 million for the Riyadh rematch, which matched the $10 million Beterbiev took home. This payout exceeds Bivol’s $5 million from his 2022 win over Canelo Alvarez. Beterbiev, who carries a 21-1 record with 20 knockouts, previously defeated Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, Joe Smith Jr, and Marcus Browne. During his preparation for the first fight, Beterbiev faced controversy when VADA labeled his blood and urine samples as "atypical" due to human growth hormone and 5D-androstanediol. Beterbiev, whose net worth is approximately $6 million, remains interested in a third fight. Umar Kremlev, the president of the International Boxing Association, wants to host a trilogy in Russia. Beterbiev previously accused Bivol of using delay tactics to catch him when he is past his prime. Bivol’s victory in Riyadh also confirmed his status as a dominant force. Will Bivol sign the agreement to fight in Russia?
Failed undercard buys and pricing shifts
The October 12, 2024, DAZN undercard produced fewer than 1,000 buys in the United States. DAZN increased the price from $14.99 to $19.99 after Shakur Stevenson withdrew from his scheduled title fight because of a torn tendon in his knuckle. The decision to offer the Beterbiev and Bivol main event to ESPN+ subscribers without any additional fees while the DAZN undercard cost $19.99 generated massive frustration and confusion among the global boxing community. The undercard results included a first-round knockout for Fabio Wardley over Frazer Clarke and a TKO victory for Shakur Stevenson over Josh Padley. Joseph Parker also defeated Martin Bakole via TKO in the second round to claim the WBO interim heavyweight title.
| Fighter | Purse (Feb 2025) | Net Worth (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Artur Beterbiev | $10,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
| Dmitry Bivol | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 |
The lack of North American fighters on the card limited its appeal to American viewers. You should realize that the price hike happened after public assurances that the event would remain free. The card also saw Chris Eubank Jr and Jai Opetaia win their bouts, while Vergil Ortiz Jr and Mohammed Alakel also won. Hamzah Sheeraz fought to a split draw against Carlos Adames, and Callum Smith won a unanimous decision against Joshua Buatsi.
The shifting championship landscape
The IBF stripped Bivol of his undisputed status after the February 2025 fight. This vacancy allowed David Benavidez to move from interim to full WBC champion, following the moment Bivol captured the IBF, WBA, WBO, and Ring Magazine belts in Riyadh. Beterbiev, who is 40 years old, carries a 95 percent knockout rate. The championship landscape changed when Agit Kabayel defeated Zhilei Zhang by knockout in the sixth round to win the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. Bivol holds a 24-1 record with 12 knockouts, while Beterbiev holds a 21-1 record with 20 knockouts. The division remains in flux as fighters react to the shifting belts. Bivol holds top rankings in the WBA and WBC, but the IBF ranks him third. Beterbiev held a 1-inch reach advantage during their last meeting. Both men fought out of an orthodox stance.
