The boxing world was stunned when Dmitry Bivol shocked everyone by knocking out Artur Beterbiev in the eighth round of their highly anticipated bout. Bivol knocked out Beterbiev in the opening thirty seconds of the round with a relentless barrage of punches that stunned him and prompted the referee to stop the bout. After the onslaught of punches, the fallen champion looked to be in significant pain, so medical workers were quickly summoned to help him.
There was a significant amount of pre-fight favoritism for Beterbiev due to his stellar record and reputation as a heavy striker in the sport. But the experienced fighter couldn’t keep up with Bivol’s lightning speed, pinpoint accuracy, and persistent aggression. After an evenly fought bout up to that moment, Bivol took over in the eighth round and knocked out Beterbiev with a barrage of blows.
Because Beterbiev is renowned for his toughness as a boxer, the fact that he required medical treatment following the knockout shocked fans. Not only does Beterbiev lose his titles, but he might lose as much as $35 million in endorsement deals, prize money, and other deals linked to his unbeaten record as a result of the defeat.
Dmitry Bivol’s triumph further establishes him as a leading light heavyweight contender. Throughout the bout, his technical prowess and power were on full display; the decisive knockout in the eighth round truly highlighted his performance.
“I had to be patient and wait for the right moment,” Bivol stated in his post-fight interview. I jumped at the chance when I saw it, and now I’m satisfied with how things turned out.
Fans are already wondering who Bivol would fight next after his unexpected win made him the unchallenged light heavyweight champion. Already, rumors are circulating about a possible rematch or possibly a unification fight with other division champions.
What happens next to Beterbiev is anybody’s guess. Aside from the obvious material and financial losses, this defeat has also taken a psychic toll. Who knows if the once-feared champion can recover from such a catastrophic loss? It will take time, but it will be worth it.
While the boxing world watches both boxers progress, Dmitry Bivol is currently in the lead while Artur Beterbiev is reeling from a devastating loss that could derail his career.