In the end, Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) went the distance for the first time in his pro career by edging Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) via majority decision in a hotly contested and disputed outcome as the judges scored it 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.

Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light heavyweight champion by beating Dmitry Bivol in a razor-thin majority decision.

Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol by majority decision Saturday in Saudi Arabia, winning the unified light heavyweight championship. Beterview, 39, showed superior power and left Bivol’s face badly swollen under his left eye.