Dmitry Bivol became undisputed light-heavyweight world champion as he secured revenge over Artur Beterbiev. The two boxing superstars served up a thrilling fight last year, when Beterbiev edged a points decision, and there were 12 more sensational rounds in Riyadh on Saturday night.
Beterbiev, who turned 40 last month, set a ferocious pace early on but Bivol began to take control in the second half of the fight, putting on a masterclass to take the initiative and this time the scorecards brought good news. One judge scored it 114-114, but the other two saw it 116-112 and 115-113 in Bivol’s favour, to set the stage for a trilogy decider.
Earlier in the night, Joseph Parker wasted little time in stopping Martin Bakole to keep himself on track for another shot at a world title. After a cagey opening round, Parker caught Bakole on the top of the head with a big right hand, and the referee stepped in to wave the fight off in the second. Hamzah Sheeraz fell short in his bid to become world champion after a split draw against Carlos Adames and, in the fight of the night, Callum Smith beat Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision after 12 sensational rounds.
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Parker wants his shot!
Tonight was supposed to be a chance for Parker to become a two-time world champion, only for Dubois to pull out with illness.
After tonight’s rapid victory, Parker is now turning his attention back to those at the division’s top table.
Parker marches on
Could have been an awkward night for Parker, but it’s turned into a dominant one.
What next for him? Does that fight with Daniel Dubois get rearranged? Maybe a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk?
He won’t be short of options.
That right hand caught Bakole high on the head, his legs were completely gone.
Did well to beat the count, but it’s the right decision from the referee to wave it off.
Bakole’s corner were not going to let it continue.
Parker stops Bakole!
Round 2
Combination from Parker, who is upping the pace now.
Bakole walking onto these shots, he’s trying to force the issue but getting caught in the process.
Big right hand from Parker, Bakole shakes his head in response. He felt that.
BAKOLE DOWN!
Another right hand, Bakole stumbles back and it’s a heavy fall.
WAVED OFF! Parker stops Bakole inside two rounds!
Parker vs Bakole
Round 1
If you want some added proof of how wild this all is, Bakole is wearing Dubois’ gloves. Didn’t have time to get any of his own over.
He’s barely moved his feet so far, Parker the one bringing the energy and the bounce, as you’d expect.
In the nicest possible way, if this is Bakole at his freshest... this isn’t going to go very well for him.
Bursts into life briefly with a left uppercut, Parker quick to hold.
And Bakole then lands a right hand, again that gets his feet moving. Encouraging end to the round for him.
Ding ding!
Here we go then.
Underway as Parker fights Bakole, and I have absolutely no idea what’s about to happen!
Fighters are in the ring.
Reminder that Bakole landed in Riyadh less than 24 hours ago. His body won’t have a clue what time-zone he’s in.
None of that matters for the next 36 minutes... although I’d be surprised if we made it that far.
Parker prowling around the corridors backstage, looking very relaxed.
It’s time for the chief support - this should be a lot of fun.
Feels like a free hit for Bakole, with the pressure very much on Parker.
Bakole to walk to the ring first.
Two to go!
We’re into the business end of tonight’s action.
Next up, it’s the heavyweights. Joseph Parker takes on Martin Bakole, who was at home in the Congo 48 hours ago.
Can’t imagine he has the fitness for 12 rounds, so expect him to come out hot!
Padley a part-time electrician, was working earlier this week when he got the call up after a late change in opponent.
Padley deserved a huge amount of credit.
Stevenson retains his world title, kisses to the crowd in response to some boos.