Artur Beterbiev beats Dmitry Bivol on points to win the undisputed light-heavyweight title on majority decision - Recap

Relive our coverage of the fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, live from Riyadh. In one of the weight division's great fights, Beterbiev's power down the stretch proved crucial as he won a majority decision. Earlier, Fabio Wardley sensationally defended his British heavyweight title stopping Frazer Clarke in one round. Watch back Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol on TNT Sports Box Office.

'Bivol was robbed' - Hearn unhappy with result as Beterbiev defeats Bivol

Video credit: TNT Sports

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HEARN: BIVOL WAS ROBBED!

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Bivol's promoter Eddie Hearn was apoplectic that his man lost the fight.

"He was robbed," Hearn said on TNT Sports Box Office.

"116-112! They only gave him four rounds."

Fellow promoter Frank Warren also thought Bivol won the contest.

BIVOL MAGNANIMOUS IN DEFEAT

BETERBIEV ON HIS VICTORY

BETERBIEV WINS MAJORITY DECISION!

He took the fight 116-112, 115-113 with the third judge ruling the fight a draw, 114-114.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 12

Bivol lion-hearted to the end throws flurries in the first half of the round which get Beterbiev's attention, but it does not stop the bigger man walking his opponent down. He lands big right hands which would make any other opponent wilt but Bivol still looks to land flurries, only to be forced back to the ropes by the superior power.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 11

Beterbiev comes out at a great pace. His footwork is underrated and he gives Bivol no breathing room whatsoever, landing short punches in close which are just lessening the energy levels of his opponent. A big round for Beterbiev. Because of that, Bivol probably goes into the last needing an unlikely knockout.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 10

Beterbiev comes out strong and for most of the round walks down his opponent. Bivol once more has a moment with a good flurry, but not enough to win the round this time as Beterbiev lands shots in the last 30 seconds.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 9

Bivol starts the round on his front foot and lands a good left hook midway through the round. He continues to land, even as Beterbiev closes in on him as the round wears on. Bivol's round that one. It feels all to play for as we enter the championship rounds. This is a fight that feels like one from the early 1980s, think Leonard-Hearns, Arguello-Pryor.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 8

Bivol with a good right to the body in the middle of the round seems to slow Beterbiev a little, but once more as ther round goes on Beterbiev closes in on his opponent and lands a couple of good shots, then they both stand their ground and throw down as the bell rings.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 7

Bivol with a better round, catching Beterbiev with big right hands which force Beterbiev back to the ropes. Beterbiev catches Bivol with a strong uppercut with his back to the ropes and Bivol then covers up. What a fight this is. Bivol happy to just see out the round in the end.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 6

No round is one-way traffic. Beterbiev seems to get the better of most of the rounds, but he still lands quality shots flush on his opponent.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 5

Bivol begins the round holding centre ring and though he goes back to boxing on the back foot he landed strong counters, before Beterbiev's power seemed to give him the edge as the fifth neared to an end. Difficult one to call.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 4

Bivol is moving around Beterbiev now but is punching a lot less. Beterbiev cutting the ring off better and though Bivol is catching a lot of the shots on the gloves, they will still hurt.

'A BAD SIGN FOR BIVOL'

Carl Frampton reckons Beterbiev landing his right hand could lead to the fight going south for Bivol.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 3

Bivol's confidence increasing, following up his lazer-precision jabs with a couple of right hands in the first half of the round. Beterbiev does land a good right hand with a minute remaining, bit Bivol still lands more with flurries when the bigger man over-commits.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 2

Bivol is landing far more, though not any power shots. Beterbiev always menacing coming forward and landed a nice jab on the bell, but he is mostly being outboxed at present by his circling countryman.

BETERBIEV-BIVOL: ROUND 1

Beterbiev is immediately on the front foot, but Bivol with the more accurate shots. They both open up in the final moments, when Bivol on the back foot also lands a couple of clean shots.

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE...

Someone's O has got to go! This is a fight boxing has been waiting for.

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol

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BIVOL IS NOW MARCHING PURPOSEFULLY TO THE CENTRE OF THE ARENA

He is the master boxer. He deservedly got a points decision against Canelo Alvarez. But can he take the power of his countryman?

BETERBIEV IS ON HIS WAY TO THE RING

The question may be, how much have his injuries taken out of him, in his 40th year?

QUITE A SHOW...

The lighting certainly put Liam Gallagher at Wembley in the shade.

CIARA, BUSTA RHYMES AND MISSY ELLIOTT UP NEXT

The fight will probably be in around half an hour.

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

'I'D BE SHOCKED IF HE DOESN'T FIGHT FOR A WORLD TITLE IN '25'

Fabio Wardley's new promoter Frank Warren was fulsome in his praise for this devastating display.

"That was a world class knockout, I think he fractured a cheekbone," Warren said.

"Next year, they'll be big, big fights. I'd be shocked if he doesn't fight for a world title next year."

WAR BY NAME, WAR BY NATURE

DUBOIS-WARDLEY NEXT?

Surely a better match now than a Dubois-Joshua rematch.

WARDLEY STOPS CLARKE IN ROUND 1!

Clarke was taking control of the centre of the ring and landing a crisp jab before Wardley landed a huge right hand from which Clarke did not recover. Clarke backed into a corner and then landed clean with a couple of shots, a brutal right to the temple seeing Clarke sag into the ropes and, his mouth distorted, did not look like beating the count and the referee waved the fight off.

BRITISH CHAMP WARDLEY ARRIVES IN SPARKLY MILITARY APPAREL

It really is some look.

BRITISH BRUISERS' REMATCH COMING NEXT...

Frazer Clarke is first into the ring. He was wilting at the end of the first 12-rounder. Will he survive better this time around.

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

EUBANK-BENN...FEATURING NEYMAR???

Hands up if you saw Neymar's next career move as Chris Eubank Jr's advocate.

'We're coming for you!' - Eubank Jr alongside Neymar confronts Benn post-victory

Video credit: TNT Sports

WARREN AND HEARN DISCUSS WARDLEY-CLARKE REMATCH

Frank Warren is promoting Wardley so as you would expect is backing his man, Eddie Hearn sees it as 50-50.

OPETAIA LOOKING TO UNIFY

Qorld champions Chris Billam-Smith meets Gilberto Ramirez next month and Opetaia is keen to fight the winner.

OPETAIA STOPS MASSEY In ROUND 6

Joe Gallagher throws in the towel. It felt a little premature. Massey was noticeably beginning to hold more. He had some success with a left hook and right hand, but Opetaia as always just came straight back with his power shots. He was landing with greater regularity but Massey did not look like getting stopped imminently when his trainer intervened.

OPETAIA-MASSEY: ROUND 5

He lands a couple of one-twos early Massey, but Opetaia then takes control and a cut opens above the Brit's right eye.

OPETAIA-MASSEY: ROUND 4

You have to think this body assault will wear down Massey before long. He needs to land his right hand more. Opetaia's corner not too happy with their man though.

OPETAIA-MASSEY: ROUND 3

Massey lands a lovely right hand early in the round. The first hopeful sign for the British fighter, but it doesn't stop Opetaia coming forward and landing hurtful body blows. He is taking the shots well and making the Australian think about things now though.

OPETAIA-MASSEY: ROUND 2

Opetaia traps his opponent against the ropes a bit throwing hurtful straight lefts to the body. Massey needs to start landing his own artillery.

OPETAIA-MASSEY: ROUND 1

Opetaia forcing the fight and landing far more but Massey does not look overawed.

OPETAIA UP NEXT...

There could be fireworks next as the dangerous Australian (25-0, 19 KOs) defends his title against Jack Massey (22-2, 12 KOs). It is a big ask for 'One Smack' Jack.

A FACE-OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING

And Neymar is there in the middle too - apparently now in Eubank Jr's corner. Eubank and Benn rut heads against each other once more. You have to think if they fight now it will be at or near the middleweight weight limit, rather than light-middleweight when the two were expected to fight previously. He looks a lot bigger than Benn in the ring.

EUBANK-BENN HEAD-TO-HEAD IN THE RING

A bit unsavoury, a bit unnecessary ... Some silliness in the ring with the two sons of top British fighters mouthing off at each other then rubbing their foreheads together.

EUBANK STOPS SZEREMETA IN ROUND 7!

Szeremeta is put down twice before the end of the contest. The body shots were the difference maker. A right uppercut to the body had the Pole wincing and taking an eight count. The Szremeta was put down again, this time with a left hook downstairs and though he got up the referee waved the contest off.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 6

A lovely right uppercut to the body then, straight shot upstairs puts Szeremeta down on the seat of his pants. He follows up with a right uppercut but the Pole did not in too much distress.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 5

Eubank wins the round again but it now looks like a fight which could go the distance. Szeremeta having enough success to keep himself interested.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 4

A better round from Eubank showing his array of punching and landing some straight rights flush on the Pole who does seem more used to his opponent's power now.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 3

Eubank getting a bit sloppy and has got a cut above his right eye. It came from an accidental head clash. This is giving Szeremeta some confidence.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 2

Eubank fancies landing the right uppercut. He is trying to set it up with his jab but hasn't quite caught his opponent flush yet.

EUBANK-SZEREMETA: ROUND 1

Eubank puts Szeremeta down in the first round with a straight right. It looks like a fighter at least a weight class above his opponent. Eubank hurts the Pole as soon as he lands his right hand. Szeremeta lands a few rights himself but they bounce off Eubank's chin.

EUBANK UP NEXT...

Eubank (33-3, 24 KOs) takes on Pole Kamil Szeremeta (25-2-2, 8 KOs). You would expect Eubank to take care of business before the halfway mark if he still has the capacity to take on the big fights ahead such as Conor Benn and Hamzah Sheeraz.

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

"HIS CORNER SAID TO 'STAY DOWN AND PRETEND YOU'RE HURT', ALLEGEDLY!"

This is going to cause some commotion in the boxing world. We hear Ben Whittaker has gone to hospital for checks on his leg injury. At the very least, Liam Cameron is sure to get a big payday in a rematch.

'His corner said stay down and pretend you're hurt' - Cameron on Whittaker injury

Video credit: TNT Sports

NICHOLSON WINS UNANIMOUS DECISION!

The Aussie makes the first defence of her WBC Featherweight title. She takes the fight 99-91 and 98-92.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 10

The fighters throw down in the final seconds but only one winner. A very classy display from Nicholson here.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 9

Chapman landed a good right hand with Nicholson on the ropes but had to eat a few herself to do so.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 8

Same tune as the last. And the next two you'd think. In fairness, Chapman closing the distance a bit more but not having any success.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 7

Another round in the bank for Nicholson, she has figured out her opponent now and is cruising towards victory.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 6

Not quite as clear but still Nicholson looks in control and heading for victory.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 5

Nicholson is enjoying herself now. Using her jab to set up her right hand. Chapman needs to disrupt her with educated pressure.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 4

Chapman's pace drops off and Nicholson controls the round with her educated jab.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 3

Chapman wins this round through pressure and the best punch of the fighter a right down the middle. Nicholson's corner are demanding more of the champion.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 2

Not much in the round. Chapman is attacking but not landing a great deal while Nicholson threw very little.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN: ROUND 1

Both unbeaten fighters respectful early on. Chapman looking to force the fight but Nicholson composed on the back foot.

NICHOLSON-CHAPMAN IS UP NEXT

The first women's fight on a main card in Saudi Arabia - and it is for the WBC Women's Featherweight title.

THE RESULT IS A TECHNICAL DRAW!

It was decided the fight would go to the cards. Whitaker had the fight 58-57 on one card, one card the same margin for Cameron and the other a 58-58 draw. That seems pretty fair.

WHITTAKER LEAVES THE ARENA ON A STRETCHER!

Still no word on the result of the contest.

FIGHT IS CALLED OFF!

What is going to be the result? A leg injury has forced Whittaker to stop.

WHITTAKER-CAMERON: ROUND 5

Incredible end to the round as both fighters go over the top rope like its the Royal Rumble. Whittaker looks in distress. Incredible scenes. What is going to happen? Whittaker is still on his back.

WHITTAKER-CAMERON: ROUND 4

Cameron gets a warning for using his elbow, but landing a number of shots in the middle stages of the round and I think nicks it.

WHITTAKER-CAMERON: ROUND 3

Whittaker again wins the round but Cameron looks capable of asking the young star some questions if it goes to the later rounds, which looks likely.

WHITTAKER-CAMERON: ROUND 2

Whittaker throwing quick combinations throughout but they do not seem to be hurting Cameron who is throwing a little more himself including some shots in close.

WHITTAKER-CAMERON: ROUND 1

Nearly all Whittaker in the first round, finding his jab at will and forcing Cameron backwards.

BEN WHITTAKER UP NEXT...

The Olympic Silver Medallist (8-0, 5 KOs) faces Liam Cameron (23-6, 10 KOs), who pushed Lyndon Arthur close earlier in the year.

ALAKEL WINS ON POINTS!

The easiest card of the night to mark: 40-36 for Alakel.

ALAKEL-GONZALEZ: ROUND 4

Alakel's jab is the weapon which is take out from the fight. It is a strong weapon and he works well off it.

ALAKEL-GONZALEZ: ROUND 3

It is like a gym sparring session in that you can hear the corner's advice, with Joe Gallagher talking Alakel through the exercise. He is warning him about his chin being high which will be a problem down the road if not addressed. Some nice shots but no signs of Gonzalez being hurt.

ALAKEL-GONZALEZ: ROUND 2

Alakel showing more of his repertoire, including overhand right and left uppercut. Gonzalez showing little until the final seconds of the round.

ALAKEL-GONZALEZ: ROUND 1

Alakel, being encouraged by his home crowd, showing some signs with his left jab and left hook to the body.

ALAKEL-GONZALEZ UP FIRST

Highly-rated young Saudi boxer Mohammed Alakel, in his professional debut, takes on Jesus Gonzalez.

WE ARE NOW LIVE ON TNT SPORTS BOX OFFICE

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol:

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

FULL CARD

Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol - Undisputed Light-Heavyweight title

Fabio Wardley v. Frazer Clarke - British heavyweight title

Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey IBF Cruiserweight title

Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta - Middleweight contest

Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman - WBC Women's featherweight title

Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron - Light-Heavyweight contest

Mohammaed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez - Lightweight contest

HELLO AND WELCOME...

Thanks for joining us for this exciting evening and night of boxing coming up.

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

Watch Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol live on TNT Sports Box Office

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