Dmitry Bivol Retains WBA Light Heavyweight Title with Unanimous Decision Over Artur Beterbiev

Dmitry Bivol successfully defended his WBA light heavyweight championship tonight with a masterful unanimous decision victory over Artur Beterbiev at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Russian technician outboxed the hard-hitting Canadian-Kazakh champion over 12 rounds, winning by identical scores of 116-112 on all three judges' scorecards in what many are calling the fight of the year so far in 2026.

Bivol's victory was built on superior ring IQ, movement, and combination punching that consistently troubled Beterbiev throughout the contest. The 33-year-old champion utilized his jab effectively to control distance while landing clean uppercuts and hooks when Beterbiev pressed forward looking for the knockout that has ended all but one of his professional fights. "I knew I had to be at my absolute best tonight," Bivol said after the fight. "Artur is a devastating puncher, but I believed my boxing skills could neutralize his power if I fought the perfect fight."

Beterbiev, who entered the contest as the unified IBF, WBC, and WBO champion, was unable to land the decisive shots that have made him one of boxing's most feared punchers. The 39-year-old southpaw had his moments, particularly in the sixth and ninth rounds where he backed Bivol against the ropes and unleashed powerful combinations, but the champion's defensive movement and counter-punching consistently frustrated his attempts to set up fight-ending shots. Despite the loss, Beterbiev showed tremendous heart and conditioning, pressuring Bivol throughout all 12 rounds.

The fight lived up to its billing as a clash between boxing's premier light heavyweight technician and its most devastating puncher, with both men showcasing the skills that have made them champions at the 175-pound limit. Bivol's footwork was particularly impressive, as he consistently created angles that allowed him to land clean shots while avoiding Beterbiev's power punches. The Russian's body work in the middle rounds proved crucial, as his consistent shots to the midsection appeared to slow Beterbiev's relentless pressure in the championship rounds.

The victory sets up potential unification fights for Bivol, who now holds one of the four major light heavyweight titles while Beterbiev retains the other three despite the loss. Promoters are already discussing potential matchups with rising contenders like David Morrell Jr. and Anthony Yarde, though a rematch between these two champions would likely generate significant interest given the competitive nature of tonight's contest. "This division is loaded with talent right now," Bivol noted. "I'm willing to fight anyone, but Artur definitely deserves a rematch if he wants it."

For Beterbiev, the loss represents his first professional defeat after 20 consecutive victories, though his performance demonstrated that he remains one of boxing's most dangerous fighters even in defeat. The veteran champion handled the loss graciously, praising Bivol's performance while indicating his desire to return to action soon. "Dmitry fought a great fight tonight," Beterbiev said. "He was the better man, but this motivates me to come back stronger. I still have a lot left to give this sport." The fight generated over 400,000 pay-per-view buys and reinforced the light heavyweight division's status as one of boxing's most competitive and talent-rich weight classes, with tonight's contest serving as a reminder of the elite-level skill and determination required to compete at the championship level.