That’s all, folks
As we approach midnight, that is that for our live blog from a light-heavyweight fight for the ages. Will we see it again? Let’s hope so.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol, IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO Undisputed Light Heavyweight.
12 October 2024
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
23:54:21
King Artur speaks
A typically low-key Beterbiev reacts to his historic victory over Bivol.
He said: “I feel not bad. I did not good today. I wanted more quality, I don’t know why I didn’t like this fight but I’ll be better one day.
“Of course it was a tough fight because Dmitrii is a world champion too, he has good skills, maybe better than me but today Allah chose me.
“During the fight we always try to change something but maybe I just want to punch him, I don’t know. For me it’s uncomfortable because I’m not usually waiting for the scores.”
Dmitrii Bivol adds: “I am a warrior and I have to do everything perfect. Congratulations to Artur and his team, he deserves it, no problem.
“I did my job and I felt that I could be better, I can always be better. But he won, what can I say? He is very powerful and I have a bruise from my own hand hitting me.”
On the potential rematch, he said: “Why not, of course if I have this chance, yes. It is my dream to be undisputed.”
23:50:45
ARTUR BETERBIEV MD 12 DMITRII BIVOL
The judges return scores of 114-114 even then 115-113 and116-112 both in favour of Artur Beterbiev. We have an undisputed light-heavyweight champion.
23:47:13
We go to the scorecards…
For the first time in his career Artur Beterbiev is taken the distance but has Dmitrii Bivol done enough to beat him on points here? This is going to be close – don’t rule out the draw.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol, IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO Undisputed Light Heavyweight.
12 October 2024
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
23:43:06
Big 11th for Beterbiev
Bivol is clearly exhausted in the 11th and spends most of the round tucking up desperately trying to ensure Beterbiev can’t land clean. The unified champion can’t quite find a way through but clearly saps Bivol energy in the process. There are three minutes to go.
23:38:37
Two to go!
With Beterbiev’s foot pressure slowing, Bivol is allowed to set his feet and think about his work a little bit more. He takes advantage by crashing home a big right hand, left hook. Bivol can stay on his feet here, he might have this in the bag. Into the 11th we go.
23:35:10
A second wind for Bivol?
You just cannot take your eyes off this. Bivol seems to get a second wind in the ninth, gets back up on his toes and begins to dance again. That paves the way for him to land with a few more flurries akin to the early round. We are into the final quarter now.
23:31:13
Final third…
Perhaps both men felt the pace in the seventh as the pace in the eighth dropped slightly. Even so, both men throw caution to the wind in the closing stages of the round and have success with combinations. This is still anyone’s to win.
23:27:09
What a round
After starting the seventh looking a little short on ideas, Beterbiev finds himself under heavy fire from Bivol and appears to be hurt by a right hand left hook. But, after piling on the pressure, Bivol tires himself out and ends the seventh on the back foot absorbing punishment. Where will the next burst come from?
23:23:08
Six down…
Bivol’s output has clearly slowed and his ramrod jab that was pumping out in the early rounds is only occasional now. This is allowing Beterbiev to set his own very high pace, which is further draining the WBA champion. It could well be 3-3 after six, but Beterbiev looks better placed to win from here.
23:19:02
All in the feet
Beterbiev is applying relentless foot pressure and Bivol is simply not given a second to breathe. He appears to be tiring slightly and struggling to keep Beterbiev off him, shipping a big right hook to the body. Even so, he is still sharp with his own combinations, which are buying him crucial respite.
23:15:10
A turning tide?
After struggling to find a rhythm early on, the fourth round suggests that Beterbiev might just be working Bivol out. He slips outside a lazy jab to land a trademark right hand to remind Bivol of his power. Into the fifth we go.
23:11:01
Temperature rising
More action in the third with Beterbiev just trying to close the gap as Bivol dictates the pace. This is the sort of fight where you can just feel the tension. Beterbiev only needs one shot to completely turn the tide but he hasn’t found it yet.
23:07:15
Two down
Bivol boxing well and looks to bring the left hook into play, landing a couple during the second round. He is moving well and controlling the distance to such an extent that Beterbiev is not really having much success as of yet – but he has started slowly plenty of times.
23:03:12
Straight into business
Both men enjoy pockets of success in an entertaining first round but it’s Bivol who lands with the more eye-catching shots. In the final few seconds, both men land with crunching one-twos. This is heating up beautifully.
22:59:51
Seconds out… round one!
Here we go, will this live up to the hype?
22:54:40
Anthem time
We are so close. Bivol, in royal blue, follows Beterbiev into the ring. Then the Saudi Arabian national anthem plays. Now over to Michael Buffer…
22:50:32
And now… the ringwalks
After the music, here comes the fight. Artur Beterbiev is walking first. No fancy robe, just a white t-shirt. This guy is serious.
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
22:40:39
While we wait
A superb photo from the climax of Fabio Wardley’s victory over Frazer Clarke, with facial damage clearly visible.
22:30:46
Before any of that..
It’s not Riyadh Season without some sort of musical performance. After Liam Gallagher at Wembley we’ve got *checks notes* Ciara here. Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott coming up next. None of them are currently ranked by the WBO.
22:02:55
Now… the big one
So that’s the undercard done and dusted, which means we have only one to go – one of the biggest light-heavyweight fights of all time, with all four 175lbs belts on the line. Artur Beterbiev v Dmitrii Bivol. Here we go.
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
21:58:08
Top 10 for Wardley
Fabio Wardley’s promoter Frank Warren has set his sights on a top 10 opponent for the Ipswich man next before an assault on the world heavyweight title.
He said: “He’s a dangerous man and a powerful man. I understand Frazer has fractured his cheekbone. He was out on his feet.
“Fabio has announced himself in a big way on the world stage. He’s an exciting addition to that level. We are going to get some exciting fights.
“I think he’s ready to take on people in the top 10 now. His last few fights he’s boxed extremely well. He showed thepower tonight and now he needs that win against someone in the top 10 that will set him up for that big fight. He’s certainly capable of fighting for the world title.”
21:51:53
Who would you want Wardley to fight next?
There is no obvious route to the world champions yet, so who would you like to see him in against next? Get involved on Twitter @boxingnewsED. Joseph Parker? Moses Itauma? Otto Wallin? Or someone else.
21:41:46
Fabio Wardley KO 1 Frazer Clarke
It was a huge right hand which landed on the side of Clarke’s face which ended this fight at an official time of 2:28 of round one. Like he said in an interview with Boxing News earlier this month, he looks like he’s the next one up in the heavyweight division.
21:39:29
Who’s next?
After making it look easy against Frazer Clarke, Wardley speaks:
“I’ve said I’ve got dynamite power in each hand I always knows if I hurt someone I can get rid of them. I went into that first fight with a lot of background stuff, a couple of losses, but we got them fixed up and we got the game plan right. We put it together and executed it on the night.”
When asked who he wants next, he said: “It’s a great question. I want belts, I want titles, I want the ones that say world on them. Whoever is hunting them as well, we will have to meet back here.”
21:29:48
IT’S ALL OVER!
Fabio Wardley stops Frazer Clarke in round one! A huge right hands sends Clarke spinning backwards and, after shipping more huge haymakers to head and body, he is forced to take a knee in the corner. But it quickly becomes apparent that he is in a really bad way, with a dent on the side of his head and his jaw seemingly misaligned.
That is some statement from Wardley.
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
21:22:24
Swiftly followed by…
…the champion, Fabio Wardley, who is around 30lbs lighter than Clarke. If the first fight is anything to go by, this one is going to be violent.
21:18:47
Right that’s enough of that – it’s heavyweight time
Here comes Frazer Clarke ahead of his second successive challenge for Fabio Wardley’s British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. It’s a little over a six months since their drawn classic at the o2 Arena – can we find a winner tonight?
21:10:32
Engine breaking
A little break in proceedings here as Turki Al-Alshikh presses a big red button to see which member of the audience has won a Mercedes. She looks absolutely buzzing to be fair. I fully expect the same at York Hall next week.
21:03:14
What next for Opetaia?
With Chris Billam-Smith and Gilberto Ramirez about to meet in a unification of the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles next month, does Jai Opetaia want the winner?
He said: “I’m hoping that comes, man. Turki Al-Alshikh, thank you to making these events happen. Whoever he tells me to beat is who I’ll beat.”
21:00:04
Jai Opetaia TKO 6 Jack Massey
The official time of the stoppage is 02:00 of round six, as Jack Massey’s corner pulls him out after almost total domination from Jai Opetaia.
The champion said: “I felt good. We’ve had so many ups and downs in training camp but we stayed staunch and got the win. We are pushing ourselves in the trenches mentally and physically.”
20:56:15
It’s all over!
With Opetaia turning the screw, Jack Massey’s coach Joe Gallagher makes the call to throw in the towel and end the punishment. A very good decision from an experienced trainer. That was a sensational performance from the champion.
20:52:01
Massey marking up
This is starting to turn into a very painful night for Jack Massey, who is marking up under this fire from Opetaia. Let’s not forget the Englishman went the distance with Joseph Parker at heavyweight 18 months ago but he’s getting pieced up here. Into the sixth we go.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Jai Opetaia v Jack Massey, IBF Cruiserweight World Title
12 October 2024
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
20:49:16
Through the gears
Opetaia continues to pick up the pace in the fourth and starts to look for a lead uppercut, straight left combination, which gets through a couple of times. Massey has some success with a jab but Opetaia doesn’t flinch. His dad tells him in the corner: “Now it’s time to counter the counter.”
20:45:31
Three down…
Massey just starting to let his hands go a little more in the third and lands with a left hook, right hand combo. But it only serves to fire up Opetaia, who looks to be putting a bit more onto these shots now. Massey needs to have success on the counter or this is going to get ugly.
20:40:25
More of the same
This has been a very good performance from Opetaia through two rounds. It’s starting to turn into target practice for him, with Massey struggling to muster anything of note in response. This is Opetaia’s first fight back with his dad as head coach for nearly three years – and it’s going well so far.
20:35:09
The champion straight into business
Southpaw Opetaia is keen to dominate from the centre of the ring, with Massey spending most of the first round circling the ring. Opetaia has already found a home for his left hand to both head and body against his orthodox opponent.
20:28:49
They’re not messing about tonight…
Challenger Jack Massey is already in the ring and now here comes the IBF cruiserweight king Jai Opetaia on his ringwalk. This one is scheduled for 12.
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
20:17:13
Eubank and Benn go at it…
Chris Eubank Jr said: “I was having fun in there. I could’ve finished the fight in the first round but its been a year out of the ring and I wanted to get that ring rust off. I had fun in there, I worked on things and get ready for the big fight that’s coming up next.
“Speaking of easy work, look who we’ve got here baby. This is the fight everyone wants to see. I want you next.”
Benn replied: “I’m so scared, oooh. After that performance you think I’m worried?”
CEJ: “I was having fun in there, I got cut by a headbutt it’s nothing.”
CB: “I’m not worried, I’ll jump up two weight divisions to fight you. You think you can beat me off the back of that? On my worst day.”
CEJ: “You reek of fear. Once you sign the contract then we’ll see what happens. Let’s get it done.”
20:12:55
Eubank W TKO R7…
Official time of the stoppage is 1:50 of round number seven. A solid night’s work for the Brighton middleweight, who drops Szeremeta four times before the stoppage. Looks like it will be Conor Benn next, then.
20:09:00
No he can’t…
Eubank downs Szeremeta for the fourth time and the referee decides enough is enough. Eubank secures the 25th stoppage victory of his career. And before they can even officially announce the result, Conor Benn is in the ring confronting Eubank.
20:08:12
And again!
Third knockdown for Eubank inside a minute of the seventh. Can Szeremeta hang in there?
20:05:42
Down goes Szeremeta!
Big right hand from Eubank Jr lands on the button to send Szeremeta down heavily. It was a lovely right hand to the body which set it up before one over the top sends the Pole down for a second time. He’s miles behind now.
19:55:20
Upper hand for Eubank’s uppercuts
The Eubank uppercuts are working well but a cut of some description has opened up. Szeremeta has landed a fair few rights but he just can’t punch hard enough.
Conor Benn is hanging around at ringside, waiting for the winner. Imagine the banter if Kamil pulls it off. Not looking likely at the moment. Eubank’s jab is finding the target every time.
19:46:49
Down goes Szeremeta in round one
He might well add his name to the list! Barely a minute gone and a one-two has Szeremeta all at sea after a count. Eubank looks sharp. His head movement is on point as well.
Szeremeta regroups well enough to land a heavy shot of his own at the end of the opening round. Good start here.
19:41:20
Eubank Jr fighting Szeremeta
The IBO middleweight title is on the line here as Chris Eubank prepares to meet Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta. Only the biggest bangers, Golovkin and Munguia, have made mincemeat of Kamil. Can Chris add his name to that list?
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
19:27:49
Nifty Nicolson dances her way to victory
Skye Nicolson wins by scores of 99-91 and 98-92 (twice). Amanda Serrano’s name is mentioned, but would she move back down in weight to entertain such a fight? Baumgardner’s name is also in the mix-up.
Nicolson was bang on form there. Raven Chapman’s decent start evaporated as the champ took over. Round after round, using the southpaw stick to dictate, moving from side to side, it was methodical and effective.
19:08:23
Rhythm of the Skye
The commentary team are spot on as we reach the halfway point. Nicolson has found her comfortable zone and won’t let Chapman in to play. Lovely work from the Aussie who is at a nice distance.
18:58:46
Flying Skye high against Raven
The next fighters are in the ring, as Skye Nicolson defends her WBC crown against Raven Chapman. These rounds are going by so quickly that I can barely type fast enough.
Just finishing up round two and Chapman’s movement has caused a few issues. Eddie Lam and Bradley Skeete in Skye’s corner. She is a good mover and it’s up to Raven to slow her down. Chapman switches stances mid-throw. Her unorthodox nature is working to her advantage.
18:50:33
Ben over the ropes
Here’s a snap of the two lads over and out.
18:44:01
No winner as Whittaker wheeled off
Ben Whittaker has left the ring and he’s off in a wheelchair. This is a bad look in every respect. From showboating to no walking. Wow.
The scores are in…
Steve Gray scored it 58-57 to Ben Whittaker while Kieran McCann had it 58-57 in favour of Liam Cameron. The third judge, Mark Bates, went for a 58-58. It ends as a technical decision split draw!
18:38:03
Rope-a-dope dust-up
Whittaker’s gloves and shoes come off. It’s not carrying on. A completely unexpected ending as we go to the scorecards. That is a real shame as it was just getting going.
18:34:44
Bizarre scenes in Saudi
Whittaker threatened with a point deduction in round five by referee Victor Loughlin for low blow offences. Whittaker is shipping a few shots. Many of them are coming from far out and still landing.
Bizarre scenes at the end of the round as they wrestle each other over the ropes. Was it a push or a pull?
18:26:06
Liam Cameron using his experience
Liam Cameron’s corner is vocal, as usual. Lots of encouragement for the underdog as he covers the head and soaks up shots to the torso.
“Benjamin, Benjamin,” repeats the corner, trying to get their man’s attention. Cameron’s shots are getting a bit of attention too. Interesting test this for Whittaker.
18:17:59
Cannonball or cannon fodder?
Tucking up, Cameron already has a reddened nose as Whittaker jabs high and whips the shots into the body. This is a nice positive start from Whittaker.
Liam Cameron will probably be ready to let a few early rounds slide so he can get into the second half of the fight. Whittaker looks really sharp, as expected. “Good start,” says Whittaker’s trainer.
18:11:37
Ben Whittaker takes to the stage
Next up here, we have Ben Whittaker looking to put on a show against Sheffield’s Liam Cameron. Whittaker is in great physical condition. Cameron gave Lyndon Arthur a good argument last time out on Channel 5. He was a good fighter back in the day, but how much of that form can he drag up tonight?
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
17:58:52
Disciplined debut win for Alakel
And that’s the second fight in the books. ‘Mighty’ Mohammed Alakel is awarded every round from the judges: 40-36 on all three cards. No doubting the winner. Gonzalez enjoyed himself as well, which is the main thing.
17:52:36
Mohammed Alakel showing some moves
Alakel is tall and rangy, dipping in and out, hitting the smaller Gonzalez with shots from both hands, especially the overhand right. Looks decent so far as we move out of the third round. Bigger tests will come, of course. Gonzalez tried to wing in a few shots so he doesn’t become a mere survivor.
17:41:24
Alakel making his professional boxing debut
No messing about here, just how I like it. Jesus Gonzalez, 21, from Colombia is up against popular Saudi debutant Mohammed Alakel, trained by Joe Gallagher. Referee Kieran McCann has been busy so far. This is his second assignment of the evening.
17:36:51
Marco Maric wins his debut
All four judges scored in favour of Maric, 40-36 across the board. Manny Robles was in Maric’s corner. He spent the four rounds coming forward with intent, moving the shoulders and head nicely, but his shots were pretty slow.
Flores did what he was expected to do. Who knows what will become of Maric?
17:15:12
Debutant Maric looking mean
Steve here taking things from the start until Declan joins us a little later. Marco Maric is in the ring and we are about to get things rumbling in Riyadh. Maric has “I’m Nobody” on his kit and, to be fair, I didn’t know much about him before this fight with Christian Lopez Flores. Kieran McCann is the referee, four-threes at super-welterweight.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: Live Updates & Results
The waiting is almost over as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol put every belt that matters on the line tonight in Riyadh. Who will be crowned the light-heavyweight undisputed king?
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 11: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol face off ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol during the weigh-in as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown at The Venue on October 11, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Where can you watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol?
You can watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and the entire undercard, featuring Wardley vs. Clarke 2 live on DAZN PPV. Fans can buy the fight for £19.99 (UK) and $19.99 (USA) and get a 7-day free trial, no subscription required.
Who is on the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol undercard?
12 x 3 mins – IBF, WBO, WBC and WBA light-heavyweight world titles
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
12 x 3 mins – IBF cruiserweight title
Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey
12 x 3 mins – British heavyweight title
Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke
12 x 3 mins – IBO middleweight title
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Kamil Szeremeta
10 x 3 mins – light-heavyweight contest
Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron
10 x 2 mins – WBC featherweight title
Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman
4 x 3 mins – super-featherweight contest
Mohammed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez
4 x 3 mins – super-welterweight contest
Marco Maric vs. Christian Flores
