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Undefeated Russian star Dmitry Bivol retained his WBA light heavyweight championship with a resounding 12-round unanimous decision victory over Lyndon Arthur in Riyadh. Bivol's masterclass performance left no doubts in the judges' minds, all scoring the bout 120-107 in his favor.
Throughout the fight, Bivol showcased his technical prowess, landing precise combinations and displaying remarkable footwork that kept Arthur at bay. Despite Arthur's attempts to counter with his jab, Bivol's calculated offense dominated the ring.
The champion’s relentless pursuit of victory was evident from the opening bell. With a combination of well-timed punches and strategic maneuvering, Bivol maintained control, leaving Arthur struggling to find an effective response.
While Bivol's attacks were fierce and calculated, Arthur showcased resilience, absorbing sustained punishment and demonstrating durability. Despite facing relentless assaults, Arthur managed to weather the storm and persist until the final bell.
In a post-fight interview, Bivol expressed satisfaction with his performance, acknowledging Arthur's usage of a good jab.
"It was good sparring for me," Bivol remarked. "Lyndon used a good jab, but I’m glad I got a fight in at the end of the year. I can now continue my goal to become undisputed."
Bivol's attention now turns toward the highly anticipated clash for the undisputed crown against IBF, WBC, and WBO counterpart Artur Beterbiev. Despite the expectations for this unification bout, Beterbiev must first face Callum Smith in Quebec City before a potential showdown with Bivol.
"I believe [I’ll get the winner of Beterbiev vs. Smith]," affirmed Bivol. "Whoever wins, I want them. It’s not personal. [Saudi Arabia] wants to make great fights."
As the boxing world eagerly awaits the prospect of an undisputed champion emerging in the light heavyweight division, Bivol’s impressive victory over Arthur solidifies his standing as a dominant force in the weight class, paving the way for a potentially historic clash to unify the titles and determine the division's supreme ruler.