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.

Boxing expert Peter Kahn, who is 54-14 over his last 68 boxing picks, locked in his Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol predictions for Saturday fight

IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) won a 12-round majority decision over WBA champion Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) to

Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol by a points decision to become the first undisputed light heavyweight champion in the division for more than 20 years

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will fight for the unified light heavyweight title Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Follow along for news and highlights:

Russian-born Canadian Artur Beterbiev was crowned boxing's undisputed light-heavyweight world champion after beating Russian rival Dmitry Bivol on a majority points decision in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Artur Beterbiev edged a majority-decision victory over Dmitry Bivol, but a rematch should be next after a very close fight.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol meet for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. Follow along with Bryan Graham