It was not a slugfest, there were no controversial moments, no insults, no wayward acts, but it was impossible to look away at any point in the 12-round fight inside the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
When it finished just before 2am, the pair touched gloves, the ring filled, and the decision was finally delivered: one judge had a draw, the other two scored it 116-112 and 115-113 to Beterbiev. Bivol and his people were not happy; Beterbiev and his people finally celebrated. The drive for the rematch was underway by approximately 2.05am.
In ringside melees, the scoring was discussed, and people were left swinging between satisfied and disgusted; it is hard to feel outrage at the end of a fight that was so close, so perfect, so brilliant. It is also possible to win a 12-round fight clearly and it still only be seven rounds to five in your favour.
Bivol was class in defeat, as expected, and praised Beterbiev; they had shared a unique respect for each other during the months and months it took to finally get the pair in the ring. They had also shared six years and nine months as world champions before the final bell separated Bivol from his belt.
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