Beterbiev vs Bivol LIVE!
Artur Beterbiev is celebrating becoming the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in men’s boxing since Roy Jones Jr in 2002. Arguably the sport’s most fearsome puncher saw his 100 per cent knockout streak as a professional end against Dmitry Bivol in Saturday night’s rearranged Riyadh Season headliner, but he still managed to pick up a controversial majority decision victory that has been heavily criticised by many – not least a furious Eddie Hearn.
Bivol will no doubt be seeking a swift rematch having suffered his first pro loss and surrendered the WBA belt he had held at 175lbs since 2017. Beterbiev now has the full set after adding to his WBC, IBF and WBO titles, with two judges awarding him what seemed to be a very close fight 116-112 and 115-113 and the other scoring it as a draw.
On Saturday’s undercard at the Kingdom Arena, Fabio Wardley viciously stopped Frazer Clarke in the first round in a rematch of their British heavyweight title thriller. Jai Opetaia retained his IBF cruiserweight title against Jack Massey after Chris Eubank Jr stopped Kamil Szeremeta before clashing with arch-rival Conor Benn once again. Skye Nicolson kept her WBC featherweight belt against Raven Chapman and an injured Ben Whittaker drew with Liam Cameron after both men flew over the top rope in bizarre scenes. Follow Beterbiev vs Bivol live below!
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol latest news
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Beterbiev controversially defeats Bivol in undisputed showdown
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Vicious Wardley blasts out Clarke in first round of rematch
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Fearsome Opetaia retains cruiserweight title against Massey
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Eubank Jr stops Szeremeta before clashing with Benn again
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Injured Whittaker in draw after over-the-top-rope incident
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Nicolson dominates Chapman to defend featherweight title
Sunday 13 October 2024 00:33
Hearn also fuming to TNT Sports. He simply cannot believe that 116-112 card. Neither can I!
He thinks it should have been 7-5 or 8-4 to Bivol, insisting that Beterbiev’s corner were telling their man late on that he needed a knockout.
He said they all thought they had lost afterwards and cannot believe what they’ve gotten away with.
Frank Warren thinks Bivol won too and insists there should be a rematch.
Eddie Hearn fumes at ‘disgusting’ result: ‘It’s a joke’
Sunday 13 October 2024 00:30 , George Flood
Bivol might have been very humble after that contentious loss, but it’s fair to say that his promoter Eddie Hearn is fuming.
And rightly so, in my opinion…
Sunday 13 October 2024 00:27 , George Flood
Hard to disagree with Tony there.
116-112 is laughable. That’s 8-4 in rounds…
Great fight and it could have gone either way tbh.. The 116-112 is a disgrace though! Neither fighter won that fight by 4 rounds.. this is the part that annoys me 😡🤬😡 Well done to Artur Beterbiev he’s some fighter he really is.. #BeterbievBivol #RiyadhSeason
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 12, 2024
Sunday 13 October 2024 00:05
Really humble stuff from both men in their post-fight interviews, as you might expect.
Surprisingly Bivol doesn’t seem to have an issue with the result and heaps praise on Beterbiev.
He’s also very open to a rematch.
Artur Beterbiev beats Dmitry Bivol by majority decision
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:53 , George Flood
114-114, 115-113 Beterbiev, 116-112 Beterbiev – Artur Beterbiev takes the majority decision!
He is the first men’s undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world since Roy Jones Jr more than 20 years ago.
It was close but that feels rather harsh on Bivol. Not sure how it could possibly have been as wide as 116-112 Beterbiev.
I’d have given it to Bivol just or a draw, but that constant front-foot pressure from Beterbiev and a strong finish was always going to go down well with the judges.
Think they’ll have to do it again.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:50 , George Flood
Here come the scores…
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:48
Bivol tries to avoid being walked down and pressurised relentlessly in this final round, staying on the move and firing off the back foot as he goes.
Beterbiev is trying to trap him and let those spiteful shots fly, Bivol tucks up but is caught and tries to come firing straight back.
Beterbiev is throwing to head and body, Bivol tired and clinging on a bit as he wearily fires back.
He holds and spoils and the final bell sounds!
The two men touch gloves – Bivol looks much the happier of the two as he raises his hand in the corner.
Beterbiev looks far more subdued. We await the all-important scores.
How the judges saw those close opening rounds will be pivotal.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:44 , George Flood
The final round is upon us.
Does Beterbiev need a knockout?
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:42 , George Flood
Beterbiev must know he is behind here and steps up the pace and pressure in the penultimate round.
Bivol is under the cosh with damage now around his left eye!
The heavy shots from Beterbiev are wearing him down and he might be hurt again.
A huge round for Beterbiev. We are in for a huge finish in the 12th…
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:41 , George Flood
These are absolutely crucial rounds now in the business end of this fight and they are being won by Bivol.
He’s utilising all of his supreme skill, footwork and anticipation to frustrate his big-hitting fellow champion.
The eye-catching punches and combos are all Bivol’s, he’s a master at putting them together at speed and then gliding effortlessly out of range.
Beterbiev again tries to end the round strong and throws out some hard shots near the ropes, but they are hardly ever landing cleanly.
Bivol has been blocking and evading them so well.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:36 , George Flood
Only three rounds to go! After such a long wait, this main event has flown by.
I’ve got it 5-4 Bivol through nine…
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:35 , George Flood
A chess match in the ninth, Bivol piecing together a couple of decent combinations to body and head.
Beterbiev is still walking him around the ring and staying patient, but he’s struggling to land anything clean at the moment and he’s peppered with shots on the move from the stylish Bivol.
Beterbiev tries to crash through a solid right before the bell, but that was a Bivol round.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:32
A furious flurry to end a really close eighth round!
This is high, high-level stuff and I’m glad I’m not a judge.
I do feel like the momentum has shifted towards Beterbiev over the last three rounds, though.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:28 , George Flood
A left hand from Bivol sneaks through the high guard of Beterbiev as so many shots from close range are continually deflected by both men.
Another tidy combination from Bivol and he’s quickly on the move again.
Another great combination from Bivol with a minute left in the round, he ups the tempo and goes after him but he’s been forced back and hurt there I think with a left!
Beterbiev lets his hands go now, thundering in some sharp, short punches that are finding the mark.
Bivol weathers the storm but that could be a real turning point.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:23 , George Flood
Just a sense that the relentless Beterbiev pressure is starting to get to Bivol a little bit now.
Both men try to land at close range, Beterbiev is continually punching gloves and arms – hoping his power will still wear down Bivol even when he’s not landing cleanly.
Bivol covering up well as Beterbiev tries to fire out those straight shots, then looping a right hook behind the elbow off the jab.
Bivol with a little flurry before the bell in the sixth.
Another Beterbiev round for me. I’d have it 4-2 Bivol, but I think it could easily be dead level at three rounds apiece at the halfway stage.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:20
Beterbiev catches Bivol with a lovely left and then smashes him to the body after more frustration early in the fifth.
Finally a bit of success and rhythm from the hard-hitting WBC, IBF and WBO champion, who has otherwise been unable to pin down his compatriot.
He also lands a decent right hand in his best round of the fight so far for sure.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:15 , George Flood
Bivol has landed all the most eye-catching shots and combinations so far, including another early in the fourth.
His movement is excellent as always and he’s largely frustrating Beterbiev, who is walking him down all the time but can’t really get hold of the master technician.
That continued pressure from Beterbiev will go down well with the judges, though. It always does.
Bivol with another tidy combination towards the end of the round as he then quickly moves out of range.
Beterbiev tries to trap him and let the shots fly before the bell, but Bivol escapes.
Is it 4-0 Bivol? I suspect not in reality, but you couldn’t argue with anyone who has it like that.
Beterbiev’s constant front-foot pressure will see him inevitably shade a few of these close rounds.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:11
A confident start to the third from Bivol, who is jabbing well again and looking to bring those quick combinations together.
Beterbiev is remaining patient, but not landing much of note yet. It’s hard to tell at times what is getting through and what’s being deflected off arms and gloves.
Some success now for Beterbiev at close range before a flurry from Bivol.
Bivol lands a right hand soon before the bell.
Fascinating stuff. Sense this is going to be a difficult fight to score with all range of different opinions, but I’ve got it 3-0 to Bivol.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:07 , George Flood
Bivol is jabbing very well indeed when Beterbiev tries to close the distance and get onto the inside, being peppered and held at bay.
Both men are landing jabs, Bivol goes with another one-two.
Beterbiev is walking down Bivol, but he can’t find a way through his defences at the moment.
Bivol is light on his feet avoiding Beterbiev at the end of the second, firing out some nice counters as he goes.
2-0 to Bivol for me. A solid start.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 23:03
The two men are feeling each other out early on in the first.
Tentative pawing jabs from both, feinting and each trying to figure out the other.
They trade positions in centre ring, each trying to get the jab working.
A one-two and another combination from Bivol, both men try to dig to the body.
The round explodes in the final seconds as Beterbiev applies heavy pressure but it’s Bivol who rattles in a couple of solid shots.
First round to the WBA champion.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:59 , George Flood
WE ARE UNDERWAY!
Undefeated vs undefeated for the undisputed light-heavyweight championship of the world.
It doesn’t get much better than this.
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:57 , George Flood
After the Saudi Arabian national anthem, Michael Buffer is into his final introductions.
A real disappointing lack of atmosphere inside the Kingdom Arena tonight, it must be said.
But that shouldn’t diminish what should be a truly epic main event.
I’ve changed my mind on the winner almost constantly this week.
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:53 , George Flood
No nonsense on the ring walk from Beterbiev as usual, simple stuff in a white t-shirt and straight into the ring.
Bivol is the same, quickly down the ramp and into the ring.
These two aren’t messing around and don’t have time for all the usual pomp and pageantry.
I respect that!
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:50 , George Flood
The musical medley was followed by a long Lord of the Rings-esque fight promo.
Now we’re finally getting to the main event ring walks at long, long last, with Michael Buffer on the mic.
Artur Beterbiev is walking first…
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:44 , George Flood
This is all nice and nostalgic and everything, but can we get on with the boxing now please?!
These live performances are fast becoming a staple of big fight cards, but this one is far too long.
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:40
After Ciara and Busta Rhymes comes a Missy Elliott medley.
The wait for Beterbiev-Bivol goes on…
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:36 , George Flood
No further update just yet on Frazer Clarke, by the way, other than Frank Warren talking about a potential broken cheekbone.
His head appeared to be dented after that brutal, brutal shot from Wardley and his jaw was a mess.
Hopefully he’s okay.
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:30 , George Flood
There is currently a huge firework display going on to mark the first official event of the 2024 Riyadh Season, following an address to the crowd from Turki Alalshikh.
We’re also going to have a musical performance from Ciara and Busta Rhymes.
Beterbiev vs Bivol ring walks brought forward
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:23 , George Flood
It’s being reported that the ring walk time for the main event has been brought forward by 30 minutes after the early end to Wardley-Clarke.
Sounds like it will be 10:30pm BST now instead of 11pm. 5:30pm ET and 2:30pm PT.
Thank goodness for that!
Dmitry Bivol ‘ready for everything’ against Artur Beterbiev
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:20 , George Flood
Dmitry Bivol says he has planned for every possible scenario ahead of tonight’s titanic undisputed battle with his compatriot, former amateur team-mate and one-time sparring partner.
“In my training camp, in my head, I always try to visualise how it will go,” he said this week. “And there are a lot of different scenarios.
“And usually, that fighter will be more calm when he realises that he’s ready for everything.
“If he trains for some things in his training camp, and this happens in the ring, he’s more confident in those situations.
“And, of course, against Beterbiev, we had to do a great camp. We had to think about different scenarios, and we did.
“And now I’m just curious how it will be in the ring.”
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:15
Interested to see if there’s anything that can be done to bump forward the main event here.
Wardley-Clarke ending so soon has left a huge gap ahead of the scheduled ring walk time, which we were told would be around 11pm BST.
That’s still 45 minutes away…
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:15
Interested to see if there’s anything that can be done to bump forward the main event here.
Wardley-Clarke ending so soon has left a huge gap ahead of the scheduled ring walk time, which we were told would be around 11pm BST.
That’s still 45 minutes away…
Saturday 12 October 2024 22:04 , George Flood
Frank Warren said to TNT Sports that he thought Frazer Clarke had fractured his cheekbone, but I’m not sure if that’s post-fight information he’s received or just what he thought he saw from his seat at ringside.
He also says he would be shocked if Wardley isn’t fighting for a heavyweight world title next year.
Classy from Wardley as he offers his best wishes to Clarke.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol coming up
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:51 , George Flood
Just the main event of the night to come now at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Don’t go anywhere, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clash next for the right to become the first undisputed men’s light-heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr more than 20 years ago.
You won’t want to miss out on this. It should be a showdown for the ages between two of boxing’s very best.
Fabio Wardley eyes world title challenge after vicious stoppage
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:48
Really hope Clarke is okay after that – his face was very scary, it looked like it had dropped on one side or just been caved in.
The power from Wardley there was just frightening.
He moves to 18-0-1 (17 KOs) and now insists he is more than ready to mix it at world level. And on that evidence, who can argue?
A first pro defeat in his ninth fight for Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Clarke, who drops to 8-1.
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:38
Replays show just how utterly vicious that was from the powerful Wardley.
He was thundering in some sickening blows to head and body with both hands, flashing a bruising right to the temple that rocked Clarke.
Clarke tried to tie up, but Wardley kept him off and had him turned around against the ropes, rattling in some more shuddering punches upstairs and finishing with another monster right that left Clarke slumped horribly in the corner on one knee.
Clarke’s face looked very scary there, but thankfully he seems okay.
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:32
“War by name, war by nature” Wardley roars into the camera after retaining his British, Commonwealth and WBA Continental titles with the most devastating early finish.
Hopefully Clarke is okay here, no question that had to be waved off.
He’s sat in the corner going through the necessary medical checks.
Now he’s on his feet and goes over to embrace Wardley.
Fabio Wardley stops Frazer Clarke in round one
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:30
WOW! WOW! WOW!
A fast start from Wardley and Clarke is rocked midway through the first with a shot to the temple!
His legs have gone in the corner and Wardley knows it, going for a spectacular early finish and leaving Clarke in trouble slumped against the bottom rope.
The referee has seen enough already and it’s over!
I had a feeling something spectacular was coming from Wardley, but I didn’t think it would be that early!
Scary, scary stuff. What a statement from Wardley!
Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:27 , George Flood
HERE WE GO!
This could easily be the fight of the night by far.
A shame it’s not headlining its own show, but what a co-main event.
Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:24
If this fight is even a quarter as good as the first, then we’re in for such a treat.
In one of the fights of the year at the O2 back on Easter Sunday, both heavyweights left absolutely everything in the ring in a non-stop, brutal firefight in which Clarke was dropped and had a point deducted but still managed to claim a split-decision draw – one judge had him winning comfortably.
Blood poured from a nasty nose injury for Wardley, whose face was an absolute mess as both men continued to trade huge bombs until the final bell.
Let’s hope for similar fireworks here, though I have a feeling we may be about to see something more emphatic from Wardley…
Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke up next
Saturday 12 October 2024 21:13
To say I am looking forward to this next fight would be an enormous understatement.
The co-main event of the night is already upon us in Riyadh as just over six months on from their absolute classic at the O2 Arena, Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke contest their hotly-anticipated heavyweight rematch.
Wardley again puts his British, Commonwealth and WBA International titles on the line in what should be another absolute war.
Jai Opetaia beats Jack Massey as towel thrown in
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:59 , George Flood
Brutal, brutal stuff from Opetaia, who is dishing out more relentless heavy punishment.
Massey’s corner have seen enough now and the towel comes in from trainer Joe Gallagher.
He looks disappointed, but that was absolutely the right decision.
Massey was getting battered in a thoroughly one-sided fight and could have got seriously hurt if that had gone on.
No shame in it and he gave it his all, just a huge gulf in class.
Opetaia keeps his IBF cruiserweight and The Ring titles and stays unbeaten, moving to 26-0.
22-3 now for Massey and his first stoppage loss, his previous defeats coming against Richard Riakporhe and Joseph Parker on points.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:54
Massey is really up against it now in the fifth, Opetaia upping the pressure again and thudding in some powerful blows to both head and body – a number of shuddering hooks.
Massey takes them and tries to keep firing back, but his face is becoming a mess with a lot of damage around the eyes and a cut.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:50 , George Flood
Credit to Massey, he isn’t being shy here for the most part and is trying to stay busy as much as he can – but there’s nothing to trouble the champion with those flurries.
Opetaia carries such venom with those left hands that are generally finding the mark time and time again.
The relentless Opetaia is upping the pressure before the end of the fourth, Massey retreating to the ropes again.
I think he’s cut and beginning to show a fair amount of damage to the face.
4-0 Opetaia. He’s looking very comfortable.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:47 , George Flood
Rather ominous signs for Massey in the second and third rounds as the champion establishes his rhythm and begins to go to work.
He’s wearing down ‘One Smack’ and making him feel and respect the power, even if a lot of the punches are being deflected for now.
Massey is willing to let his hands go with some spirited flurries, but he’s not got the power to hurt Opetaia – which is a real problem.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:39
Neither man is shy in coming forward during an entertaining opening round.
Opetaia looks to make his significant power felt from the outset, though Massey won’t be intimidated and looks to let his own hands go.
Massey surely can’t let this become a firefight under any circumstances.
That will not end well for him.
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:34
Here we go!
Can Derbyshire’s Massey threaten what would be a major upset?
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey up next
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:31
Right, on we go with the business end of this Riyadh Season undercard.
One of this writer’s favourite fighters is coming up now as Australia’s formidable two-time IBF cruiserweight world champion Jai Opetaia defends his title against Britain’s Jack Massey.
‘One Smack’ – the European and Commonwealth champion – is a massive underdog here, but he will have confidence after beating Isaac Chamberlain last time out and previously going the distance with Joseph Parker.
Neymar watches on as Eubank Jr and Benn trade barbs
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:25 , George Flood
A few bizarre moments on this card so far tonight, but I’m not sure a bemused-looking Neymar moderating the latest slanging match between Eubank Jr and Benn will be beaten on that front…
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:21
Ben Shalom just said that he hopes Eubank Jr will face Benn early in 2025.
We’ll see if that’s possible…
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:17 , George Flood
Eubank Jr and Benn now back to throwing insults at each other inside the ring with a slightly bemused Neymar bizarrely stood right next to them.
This is all very WWE, isn’t it?
All a bit tedious if you ask me, though I understand why they keep doing this and will 100% watch the fight when it finally comes to pass.
Still a lot of uncertainty on that front, but maybe we do see it next. Who knows.
Benn still doesn’t have his British license back, remember.
And that Eubank Jr cut around the right eyebrow will need time to heal.
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn clash inside the ring
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:13 , George Flood
There was some pushing and shoving there between Eubank Jr and Benn, who also appeared to put his head in as the arch-rivals had to be separated.
The two traded barbs once again as they did at the fight hotel on Thursday, Benn insisting he will finish Eubank Jr inside three rounds.
Chris Eubank Jr stops Kamil Szeremeta in round seven
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:10 , George Flood
Spiteful now from Eubank Jr, who is looking to finish this in the seventh.
An overmatched Szeremeta twice takes a knee after stinging body shots, first taking an eight count.
The referee has seen enough the second time and waves it off. Szeremeta looks unhappy but can have few complaints.
Conor Benn is quickly in the ring and is embroiled in another furious exchange with Eubank Jr…
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:07 , George Flood
Spoke too soon!
Eubank Jr connects brilliantly again with 15 seconds left in the sixth, a short right hand following a punishing shot to the body that catches Szeremeta flush and sends him to the canvas.
He’s back up quickly and sees out the final seconds of the round.
Neymar sitting next to Frank Warren at ringside now…
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:05 , George Flood
Some nice flurries from Eubank Jr but he’s not really hurting Szeremeta now after that spiteful start.The tempo is waning a bit now and you wonder if it’ll be more of a coast to a wide points win from here.
Conor Benn predictably not impressed as he tweets from ringside…
I promise you I will chin this idiot Inside 3 rounds
— Conor Nigel Benn (@ConorNigel) October 12, 2024
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 20:00 , George Flood
Eubank Jr ups the tempo early in the fourth, looking to put the fast combinations together and blitz the durable Szeremeta.
Despite that early knockdown, Szeremeta does look like he can take a lot of punishment and there have always been questions over Eubank Jr’s power.
He’ll want the stoppage for sure, but has to be wary of that cut above the eye.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:55
I’m not sure what caused that cut above the right eye of Eubank Jr, but it’s bleeding quite a bit in the third.
It was likely a head clash as both men are spoken to by the referee about use of the head and holding.
Has that cut thrown Eubank Jr a bit? He’s still on top, but Szeremeta is landing some solid shots of his own.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:51 , George Flood
Eubank Jr firmly on top in the second, showing his variety again as he throws plenty at Szeremeta including some sharp uppercuts.
But there is some damage around the eye of Eubank Jr that is being attended to in the corner before the start of the third.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:46 , George Flood
Szeremeta is down after less than a minute after a right hand!
What a start from Eubank Jr, who looks sharp as hell.
Spiteful and incisive, already going through the gears with a range of accurate shots.
But Szeremeta is coming back, tagging Eubank Jr a couple of times and then smartly using his jab to uncork a big right that forced Eubank Jr back against the ropes.
A very entertaining opener. Conor Benn is indeed at ringside and was on his feet there.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:42 , George Flood
Here we go!
Obviously must-win for Eubank Jr this.
And he’ll be wanting to do it in style.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:41 , George Flood
Eubank Jr looking as loose and confident as ever as he comes to the ring to Still D.R.E and does his trademark bounce over the top rope.
This fight is for the vacant IBO world middleweight title.
Presumably Conor Benn is at ringside, but I haven’t spotted him yet.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta up next
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:35
Up next is the return of Chris Eubank Jr.
He fights for the first time since his impressive revenge mission against Liam Smith in Manchester 13 months ago.
Eubank Jr meets Kamil Szeremeta, Poland’s former European middleweight champion whose only pro losses to date came against Gennady Golovkin and Jaime Munguia.
However, he has drawn two of his last six fights, including against the little-known Abel Mina in February.
This is the 34-year-old Szeremeta’s first fight outside of his native Poland since 2021.
And still! Skye Nicolson dominates Raven Chapman to retain title
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:27 , George Flood
Here come the scores…
99-91, 98-92 x2 – all in favour of Skye Nicolson, who deservedly stays unbeaten and moves to 12-0 as she retains her WBC featherweight world title for the second time via unanimous decision.
Never in doubt. Those scores mean one judge had it 9-1 in terms of rounds, the other two 8-2.
Hard to argue. The first defeat of Chapman’s career sees her drop to 9-1.
As pointed out on the TV broadcast, a rare win these days for Matchroom and Eddie Hearn over Queensberry and Frank Warren.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:24 , George Flood
Nicolson starts to go through the gears in the final round, showcasing her significant skills with this fight surely in the bag.
Chapman has persevered with that same game plan throughout this fight, but it hasn’t offered anything but very limited success since those opening couple of rounds.
The final bell sounds and this should be a comfortable win for Nicolson on points.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:21 , George Flood
Chapman lands a stiff close-range right in the penultimate round but the champion quickly responds.
Heading into the 10th and Chapman is surely well behind on the scorecards.
She will need an unlikely last-gasp knockout to rip the WBC featherweight title away from the undefeated Australian.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:19 , George Flood
A marginally better eighth for Chapman, but still not enough to win it I wouldn’t say.
There’s just been nothing really landing clean from her since those first encouraging couple of rounds.
Nicolson isn’t particularly busy at all or going through the combinations, but has landed all of the most notable punches.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:16 , George Flood
More of the same in the seventh, with this fight long since having developed into a familiar pattern.
Chapman certainly isn’t lacking for determination, but Nicolson’s excellent movement and anticipation means she cannot get close enough to inflict any damage.
It’s comfortable stuff for Nicolson at the moment, putting these rounds away with the more eye-catching work but without wasting energy.
It’s being reported on the TV broadcast that Ben Whittaker has now gone to hospital to have that lower-leg injury assessed.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:13 , George Flood
Another relatively quiet round in the sixth, with Nicolson having clearly the better of it once again.
She’s well into her groove now and boxing smoothly, but without having to overexert.
Chapman just cannot close the distance effectively and get into range to let her hands go.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:09 , George Flood
This isn’t the most thrilling of world title fights through the halfway stage, it must be said.
Chapman is struggling with her front-foot approach and Nicolson has now found her rhythm, countering nicely and whipping out that left hand.
She’s doing enough to keep shading these fast two-minute rounds.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:06 , George Flood
Chapman has Nicolson worried at times when she rushes in with menace and aggression, but she’s not really able to land enough when she does.
Nicolson has countered very nicely a few times and is starting to look far more confident.
We’ve got it 3-1 to the champion through four.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 19:03 , George Flood
Chapman is nice and aggressive again and finds her range early in the third with a powerful right.
More action in that round with some entertaining close-range flurries, with both fighters hitting the target.
Nicolson finally seems to step it up in the second half of the third after a somewhat sluggish start, piercing Chapman’s defences with a couple of strong uppercuts.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:59 , George Flood
Chapman is trying to walk down Nicolson here but she’s repeatedly struggling to find her range, other than the odd shot that has just about found the target.
Nicolson moves so well to avoid those rushes and has the long arms to counter and punish her opponent.
Chapman is certainly the aggressor through two rounds, but without much to show for it so far.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:55
An aggressive start from challenger Chapman as she comes forward early on.
She gets tagged with a couple of long looping counters from the champion.
Both fighters miss with swings just before the bell in the first.
A tentative opening round.
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:48
No time to dwell on that utterly bizarre episode as Raven Chapman is now on her way to the ring.
The Briton challenges Skye Nicolson for her WBC featherweight belt in the first women’s world title fight ever to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron ruled draw after Whittaker injury
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:42 , George Flood
We are indeed going to the scorecards after what they rightly rule an accidental injury.
Cameron looks confident and has his hand back in the air with Whittaker having been wheeled backstage.
Here come the scores…
58-57 Whittaker, 58-57 Cameron, 58-58 – it’s a technical decision split draw!
Cameron looks furious. What a bizarre fight.
Hopefully that’s not a serious injury for Whittaker. He was enduring his toughest test to date by far tonight.
His early winning streak as a pro is over.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:40 , George Flood
British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) chief Robert Smith has been talking at length to referee Victor Loughlin inside the ring as they try and sort this out.
I think it’s going to go down as an accidental injury and as we completed five rounds, it’ll go to the scorecards.
Whittaker is being taken backstage in a wheelchair. Cameron has his hand raised – he thinks he’s won this.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:36
Hard to see on the replay what happened to Whittaker’s leg as he retreated during a rough-and-tumble clinch and both men toppled over the top rope together.
But this is definitely not going to restart as Whittaker’s gloves are now being taken off.
Does that go down as an accidental foul? Are we going to the scorecards?
Plenty of confusion inside the Kingdom Arena.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:34 , George Flood
Whittaker has hurt his leg here and is laid out on the canvas, holding it up against the ropes.
The start of the round is obviously delayed and I don’t think Whittaker is going to be able to continue at all.
He’s sat in the corner and his team are now taking his boot off.
Is it the ankle? What a bizarre situation.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:33 , George Flood
There have been a few low-looking punches in this fight so far and now Whittaker receives a stern warning from the referee, who tells him in the fifth that one more will lead to a point deduction.
This is another solid round from Cameron, before both men engage in a spot of wrestling and go over the top rope! Wow.
That looked very painful indeed and Whittaker is hurt here.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:30 , George Flood
Whittaker flashes some more tidy combinations, but this is a really tough fight for him at the moment – by far the most difficult of his pro career to date.
Cameron is full of confidence and content to come forward – he doesn’t seem to be worried at all about getting picked off.
He’s landing plenty, including some solid shots to the body.
Whittaker needs to step it up.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:26 , George Flood
This has been a really good fight to watch through three rounds, with both men having their periods of contrasting success.
Whittaker has been the better of the two, but he’s taking many more punches than he would like.
Cameron was trapped against the ropes a couple of times in that round, but Whittaker hasn’t really hurt him at all yet.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:23
A very competitive second round as Cameron makes it very clear that Whittaker won’t be having things all his own way tonight, as he’s been accustomed to in his short pro career to date.
Whittaker’s fluid style means he always looks to be doing the more eye-catching work, though Cameron is no pushover and has landed a good few right hands to make his opponent think.
Cameron’s vocal corner sound very encouraged. No chance for any showboating from Whittaker yet, he looks to be in his first real fight here.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:18
Whittaker looks to start fast as usual, ‘The Surgeon’ piecing together some smart early combinations.
He’s busy from the outset, but Cameron is deflecting most of these punches and manages to dig in with a couple of rights of his own before the bell.
Cameron – six years older than Whittaker at 33 – lost a split decision to Lyndon Arthur in his last fight when competing for the vacant WBA Intercontinental title in Bolton back in June.
Whittaker has won three times already in 2024, stopping Khalid Graidia before points wins over Leon Willings and Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka – picking up the IBF International title against the latter on the undercard of Chris Billam-Smith vs Richard Riakporhe at Selhurst Park.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron up next
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:10
Get the popcorn ready, as it’s Ben Whittaker time now.
The ultra-talented and showboating undefeated Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist contests his ninth pro bout in what should be a toughest test to date against former Commonwealth middleweight champion Liam Cameron.
This is a 10-rounder, with Whittaker’s IBF International light-heavyweight title on the line, as well as a minor vacant IBO belt.
Mohammed Alakel dominates Jesus Gonzalez on debut
Saturday 12 October 2024 18:00 , George Flood
A decent finish to a solid pro debut from Alakel, who only had a few amateur fights.
He rattles Gonzalez with a sharp left hook to the ribs during a dominant finish to a dominant performance in front of his hometown crowd.
There was never any danger of a debut knockout, but he’s surely cruised to victory on the cards here.
Like fellow debutant Maric, he takes it 40-36 on all three cards.
Onwards and upwards for ‘Mighty Mo’.
Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:55 , George Flood
Alakel keeps up that pressure and high-energy approach through the third – good variety to his punches and he’s switching up his attacks well to body and head.
Nothing really coming at all from Gonzalez here.
This has been an eye-catching pro debut so far from the Saudi lightweight, who certainly hasn’t let the size of the occasion get to him.
One more round to go.
Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:50 , George Flood
More solid work from Alakel in a dominant second round.
He’s continuing to utilise that left jab nicely to set up the stinging straight rights.
Alakel is totally controlling the tempo and the distance.
Marco Maric beats Christian Lopez Flores on debut
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:48 , George Flood
There was, by the way, one opening fight this evening that was not part of the televised bill in Riyadh.
Marco Maric won on his professional debut, picking up a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Christian Lopez Flores.
He took it 40-36.
Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:44 , George Flood
Alakel looks to start quickly in those bright yellow shorts, light on his feet and piling on the pressure as he walks down the smaller Gonzalez from the outset.
This is a good first round on a huge stage for the debutant, rifling through a stiff right hand that hurts Gonzalez.
He looks to have a decent jab and carries some spite in that right.
Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:42 , George Flood
Time to get our live action underway at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena!
It’s a home fighter first up on tonight’s undercard, with Mohammed Alakel making his professional debut in a four-round lightweight contest against the 3-2 Colombian, Jesus Gonzalez.
A great reception for Riyadh’s own ‘Mighty Mo’ Alakel, who has been training under Joe Gallagher in Manchester.
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn separated after heated clash
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:38 , George Flood
Most of the drama during fight week has come courtesy of Chris Eubank Jr, who once again went face-to-face with arch-rival Conor Benn as the prospect of that mammoth clash looms large once again two years after the original last-gasp postponement.
The duo had to be separated by security after a war of words in the main fight hotel on Thursday.
Eubank Jr also carried a large sword into the face-off with Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta that followed the final press conference.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, after the fight,” Benn said. “I’ll f***ing give it to you. Yeah, of course, mate. You’re f***ing lucky you’re fighting tomorrow.
“I’ll f*** you up. Watch what happens, dead boy walking.
“I’ll give you a good ass-beating in front of 60,000, that’s what’s gonna happen. I’ll be there tomorrow, arrogant p***k.”
Eubank Jr fired back plenty and later tweeted: “This little weasel @ConorNigel waited to the day I’m starving & dehydrating myself making weight, to grow some balls & pull up on me.”
Artur Beterbiev and Eddie Hearn clash at press conference
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:24 , George Flood
The usually calm Artur Beterbiev took slight exception at Thursday’s final press conference to Eddie Hearn having previously called him arrogant.
“You want to make a fight with Eddie?” Beterbiev asked host Dev Sahni. “Why do you do that?”
Hearn chimed in: “Don’t worry about me, you have to get through [Bivol] first. When he’s finished with you, it’ll be easier for me.”
Beterbiev replied: “No need to finish with him, I’m finished with him [on Saturday]. With you, today maybe.”
“Maybe, I don’t think it would be a tough fight for you,” Hearn replied. “You need a real challenge.”
Beterbiev hit back: “I think you’re not in good condition now.”
Hearn then said: “Me, terrible, but I think you need to switch on for [Bivol].”
Beterbiev finished with: “You talk a lot,” before Hearn jibed: “I know, it’s my job, you should try it.”
If I was Bivol, I’m not sure I would thank my promoter much for riling up arguably boxing’s biggest knockout puncher just days before I had to step in the ring with him…
Beterbiev vs Bivol weigh-in results
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:11
Neither of tonight’s main event fighters are big talkers, preferring to prove their points inside the ring.
That means it’s been quite a low-key build-up to such a titanic bout this week, Eddie Hearn trying to rattle Artur Beterbiev aside.
But let’s be honest, this is not a fight that needs any extra selling.
Yesterday’s weigh-in went off without any of the usual drama, with Beterbiev tipping the scales slightly heavier at 174.96lbs.
Dmitry Bivol, meanwhile, came in at 174.12lbs.
Fearsome Artur Beterbiev out to banish injury question marks
Saturday 12 October 2024 17:01 , George Flood
Tonight’s massive main event was originally supposed to take place in June, as the headline act to follow the inaugural Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5 card in Riyadh.
However, it had to be pushed back more than four months after Artur Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in his knee during training that required surgery.
And that is after his one-sided seven-round beatdown of Liverpool’s Callum Smith in Canada in January was postponed for five months after Beterbiev also needed an operation on a nasty bone infection in his jaw.
Turning 40 in January, will we see a fully healthy version of the fearsome Beterbiev in the ring tonight?
Beterbiev vs Bivol prediction
Saturday 12 October 2024 16:49
This is such a difficult fight to predict as the technical brilliance of Dmitry Bivol meets the awesome power of Artur Beterbiev, who is much more than just a knockout artist.
Bivol is an absolute master of his craft, but he can sometimes leave you wanting more as he dominates fights but typically does not overly exert himself in search of a KO, with that stoppage of the fearless but ultimately overmatched Malik Zinad in June his first since early 2018.
He will surely not have that luxury against the ferocious and unrelenting Beterbiev, who will look to make his power felt from the outset and stop his opponent from developing into his usual rhythm as he attempts to break him down round by round.
It is a truly fascinating clash that you feel will go Bivol’s way if it lasts the full 12 rounds, though it’s also not hard at all to see a stoppage if Beterbiev manages to connect with one of those huge power shots.
Bivol to win by decision.
Beterbiev vs Bivol undercard and running order
Saturday 12 October 2024 16:43 , George Flood
Here is tonight’s fight card in full and confirmed running order, with the show due to begin in less than 20 minutes time in Riyadh…
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke
Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey
Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta
Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron
Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez
Marco Maric vs Christian Flores
How to watch Beterbiev vs Bivol
Saturday 12 October 2024 16:41 , George Flood
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, Beterbiev vs Bivol is being shown live via DAZN pay-per-view at a cost of £19.99, with a free seven-day trial included.
The event is also available to purchase on TNT Sports Box Office for £19.99 or Sky Sports Box Office for £19.95.
Beterbiev vs Bivol start time
Saturday 12 October 2024 16:38 , George Flood
Ring walks for Beterbiev vs Bivol are expected from around 11pm BST, which is 6pm ET in the United States and 3pm PT.
The main portion of tonight’s undercard is likely to start at around 7pm BST, 2pm ET and 11am PT.
The early fights are from 5pm BST, 12pm ET and 9am PT.
Beterbiev vs Bivol live
Saturday 12 October 2024 16:35 , George Flood
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.
We’ve got a truly epic main event on the way later tonight as two of boxing’s very best collide for the right to become the first undisputed men’s light-heavyweight champion for more than 20 years.
There is so much to come before then too on a stacked Riyadh Season undercard at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, including Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke contesting a rematch of their British heavyweight title classic from six months ago and Chris Eubank Jr fighting for the first time in 13 months as Jack Massey tries to dethrone formidable IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia.
The exciting Ben Whittaker is also on the bill, while history will be made with the first women’s title fight to be held in Saudi as Raven Chapman challenges Skye Nicolson for her WBC featherweight belt.
This is one event you won’t want to miss, so stay tuned to Standard Sport for live updates throughout fight night.
