Russian Dmitry Bivol produced a boxing masterclass to gain revenge over compatriot Artur Beterbiev and win the undisputed light-heavyweight world title in Saudi Arabia.
The dazzling footwork, fancy flurries and crisp punching of Bivol, 34, prevailed in Riyadh in a deserved majority decision points win.
Beterbiev, 40, landed power punches in the early to middle rounds but tired towards the end as Bivol reversed October's points loss to his rival.
With scores of 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113, Bivol claims the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF titles.
"I wanted to work from the first round to the end of the 12th. I was better. I was pushing myself more, I was more confident and I was lighter. I wanted to win so much today," Bivol said.
After 24 rounds of boxing of the highest level, the results sets up a mouth-watering decider.
"I didn't want the second fight, it wasn't my choice, but no problem. We can do a third fight if we need to," Beterbiev, who suffered his first pro loss in 22 fights, said.
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