The Last Crescendo, a fight night for the ages.

On February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dmitry Bivol turned the tables on Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch, claiming the undisputed light heavyweight championship with a majority decision victory. The fight, dubbed “The Last Crescendo,” lived up to the hype of their first encounter, delivering another tactical masterclass mixed with moments of intense drama.

The first fight in October 2024 had seen Beterbiev edge out Bivol by a controversial majority decision to become the division’s undisputed champion, leaving many fans and analysts believing Bivol had done enough to win. This rematch was Bivol’s chance to set the record straight, and he seized it with a performance that showcased his technical brilliance and adaptability.

From the opening bell, Bivol established his jab, using crisp footwork to control the range and frustrate Beterbiev’s relentless pressure. The early rounds saw Bivol outboxing his opponent, landing cleaner combinations while Beterbiev struggled to close the distance effectively. Unlike their first bout, Bivol maintained his composure and energy, avoiding the lapses that had allowed Beterbiev to rally late in their previous meeting.

Beterbiev, known for his devastating power and 100% knockout rate prior to facing Bivol, found his rhythm in the middle rounds. Around rounds four to seven, he pressed forward with more success, landing heavy body shots and forcing Bivol to absorb some punishment. His aggression peaked in these moments, reminiscent of his late surge in the first fight, but Bivol’s high guard and movement kept him from taking decisive control.

As the fight entered the championship rounds, Bivol flipped the script. He upped his output, mixing sharp counters with forward movement, and refused to let Beterbiev dictate the pace. The final round was a tense affair, with both fighters trading blows, but Bivol’s precision and activity stood out. Despite visible swelling around his left eye from Beterbiev’s power, Bivol’s resilience and ring IQ shone through.

When the scorecards were read, the judges saw it 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112, giving Bivol the majority decision and the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA titles. The crowd roared as Bivol celebrated, avenging his only career loss and ending Beterbiev’s reign as undisputed champ. Beterbiev, now 21-1, suffered his first professional defeat at 40 years old, while Bivol improved to 24-1, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s elite.

Post-fight reactions highlighted the closeness of the bout, with some still debating the outcome, but the consensus leaned toward Bivol’s superior boxing earning him the win. Talks of a trilogy fight immediately surfaced, as both warriors proved they’re among the best in the sport. For now, though, February 22, 2025, belongs to Dmitry Bivol—a night where skill triumphed over power in a rematch for the ages.

By Vincent Quezada

Pictures courtesy of DAZN