We were expecting fireworks. A knockout, assured, between two exceptional hitters. It was ultimately by unanimous decision that adopted Montrealer Artur Beterbiev won.
Beterbiev becomes unified light heavyweight world champion after defeating Dmitrii Bivol in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two judges ruled in his favor with scores of 115-113 and 116-112. The final judge ruled it a draw, with a card of 114-114.
It was a first decision victory for Beterbiev, who had only won by knockout. The Russian now has a record of 21 wins, no losses.
He therefore adds the WBA belt to his collection, in which there are already the WBC, IBF and WBO titles.