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RIYADH–Russian-born Canadian Artur Beterbiev was crowned boxing’s undisputed light-heavyweight world champion after beating Russian rival Dmitry Bivol on a majority points decision in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Two of the three ringside judges scored the fight 115-113 and 116-112 to Beterbiev while the other called it tied at 114-114.
Both men were previously undefeated before the fight in Riyadh, with 33-year-old Bivol holding the WBA belt and Beterbiev, 39, the reigning WBC, WBO and IBF champion.
By taking the bearded Beterbiev to a full 12 rounds at the Saudi capital’s Kingdom Arena, Bivol became the first man to go the distance against a champion with a previous 100% record of winning by knockout or stoppage.
“I wanted to box more, I don’t like this fight. I was a little bit uncomfortable,” said Beterbiev. “I felt uncomfortable, because usually I’m not waiting for the bell.
