Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Undefeated stars clash in long-awaited ...

Artur Beterbiev secured undisputed status at light-heavyweight with a controversial win over Dmitry Bivol on Saturday.

Beterbiev entered Saudi Arabia as unified champion, holding the WBC, WBO and IBF belts, and he took Bivol’s WBA title via majority decision. The scorecards read 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 in favour of Beterbiev, 39, with the latter scorecard seeming surprisingly wide.

Bivol, 33, is known as the slicker technician, while Beterbiev is famed for his power – which had forged a 20-0 record with 20 knockouts before Saturday (12 October). And Bivol’s tidy work seemed to build him an early lead, although Beterbiev continually pressed forward and sporadically showed his strength.

Bivol impressed with his bravery and composure, often standing in front of the harder hitter and crafting trademark combinations, although at many points he was forced to skip around the ring and throw short shots to deter Beterbiev. As the momentum swayed, Bivol seemed to pull ahead in the middle rounds, before Beterbiev came on strong in the final frames – occasionally forcing Bivol to cover up and hold on for the bell.

Even so, the 116-112 scorecard in the Russian-Canadian’s favour will surprise many viewers, with the consensus being that a draw or narrow win for either fighter would have been fair. Regardless, Bivol – also of Russian descent but with Kyrgyzstani heritage – will leave Riyadh with a first professional loss to his name (23-1, 12 KOs).

Re-live Beterbiev vs Bivol and the undercard action, below:

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE

• Artur Beterbiev beats Dmitry Bivol via majority decision to win undisputed light-heavyweight titles

• Beterbiev wins 116-112, 115-113, 114-114 in controversial result, as Bivol suffers first loss

• Eddie Hearn labels 116-112 scorecard ‘disgusting’ and calls for judge to be fired

• Chris Eubank Jr drops Kamil Szeremeta four times, scores TKO, faces off with Conor Benn

• Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron draw after tumbling over top rope in bizarre scene

• Fabio Wardley starches Frazer Clarke in round one, after March’s fight-of-the-year contender

• Jack Massey’s corner throws in towel amid clinic from Jai Opetaia

• Skye Nicolson keeps WBC featherweight belt with easy decision win over Raven Chapman

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Result and reaction

00:22 , Alex Pattle

Artur Beterbiev wins controversial decision against Dmitry Bivol to become undisputed

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Result and reaction

00:10 , Alex Pattle

Eddie Hearn: “In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds?

“It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out.

“Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev...

“That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this magnitude is disgusting.”

Frank Warren says he had it to Bivol by “a couple of rounds”. He says “116-112” to Beterbiev is “ridiculous” and “a joke”.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Result and reaction

00:00 , Alex Pattle

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Result and reaction

23:57 , Alex Pattle

Bivol: “I don’t have any explanation, because it would look like excuses. I just congratulate Artur and his team, they deserve it.

“I did my job. I felt that I could do better, it just... some opinion of judges... Congratulations, Artur. I didn’t see this fight. He won, what can I say?”

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Scores

23:55 , Alex Pattle

Beterbiev says he’s open to a rematch. He admits Bivol is likelier the more skilled boxer, and says he didn’t fight amazingly against the younger man tonight.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Scores

23:51 , Alex Pattle

Artur Beterbiev def. Dmitry Bivol via majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 116-112).

Wow. When they read those scorecards, I assumed it’d be Bivol. That 116-112 feels... yeah...

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:47 , Alex Pattle

Round 12

Here we go! Final round, it’s still up for grabs, potentially...

Beterbiev marches forward, but Bivol stays active. At first they’re teasing shots, then he loads up.

Both men are throwing. Right now, Bivol is doing the slightly better work. He’s getting moved about, though.

There’s some more grappling, briefly. Beterbiev with some dangerous output, but Bivol is just about evading the worst of it.

Beterbiev with a right to the body, then a left hook upstairs. Bivol fires back! A clinch ensues.

They separate, 45 seconds left. More grappling. Beterbiev regains momentum. Another clinch.

Bivol lets his hands go now. Ten seconds left. Beterbiev with some hammer left hooks. They brawl to the final bell!

Wow. What a fight. A chess match. It will be VERY close on the scorecards.

The final round, for me, goes to Beterbiev. That means I have it 114-114, a draw!

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:43 , Alex Pattle

Round 11

Beterbiev’s corner has told him he needs a KO. This could get even spicier!

Decent counter cross by Bivol. He throws a straight to the body then a hook upstairs – lovely work. Beterbiev tries to corner Bivol, but he can’t keep him there.

Bivol with another eclectic combination. He’s fought smartly but also bravely. Beterbiev with a fine moment now, though! He’s swarming Bivol, who is trying to cover up and stay mobile!

A cross and hook land for Beterbiev, and Bivol briefly grapples! A hard body hook by Beterbiev. There’s still a minute left in this round...

Bivol grapples again, and he’s warned for holding his opponent’s head. Bivol is not throwing, he’s just covering up and trying not to be moved backwards.

Beterbiev, meanwhile, continues to unload. Bivol makes it to the bell, but that’s a great round for Beterbiev.

105-104 to Bivol, as I have it. It may all come down to the final round!!

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:39 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Beterbiev stands from his stool and bounces on his feet. Bivol, sporting a determined look, does the same.

Beterbiev boxing with some necessary urgency now, throwing straights to the body then the head. Bivol stays mobile with a smart guard.

Beterbiev is intermittently breaching that defence, though. He hooks to the body. Bivol shoves him away.

Beterbiev misses with a right hook, and Bivol – who has been reserved in this round – opens up now. Hooks and crosses get through for the younger fighter.

He then ties up Beterbiev. They separate, and Beterbiev turns up the dial again! Bivol shells up, just aiming to get to the bell safely...

Beterbiev’s round. 96-94 to Bivol? Into the championship rounds we go.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:35 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Bivol jabs to the body. Beterbiev sees a hook blocked upstairs, and Bivol replies with a rapid one-two.

Bivol manages range well, just evading a cross from Beterbiev. A hook lands hard for Bivol.

The WBA champion slings a cross at the waist of Beterbiev. Mature work from Bivol at the moment. Still, Beterbiev is dangerous until the final bell.

Is the older fighter just resting a bit in this round? One minute left in this frame.

Bivol blocks a cross then replies with an extended combination! Beterbiev marches forward anyway, undeterred, and Bivol ties up the unified champ in the final seconds of the round.

87-84 to Bivol, perhaps.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:31 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

What an intriguing fight this is. It could go either way as the second half of the bout ticks on.

Tidy jab by Bivol. Both men throw teasing shots – nothing too powerful right now. Good cross by Beterbiev.

Bivol may be cut around one his left eye, but he fires off a slick one-two. Another decent cross by Beterbiev, who then chases Bivol and misses with a hook.

Beterbiev throws a few more punches, but the accuracy is lacking.

A promising round for Bivol, right when he needed it.

77-75 to Bivol, for Indy Sport’s money.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:27 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Bivol with a nice one-two. He adds a jab and a right hook. Both men get behind their jabs.

Good, varied combination from Bivol. Beterbiev responds by chasing the younger boxer around the ring.

Two jabs just squeeze through Beterbiev’s guard. Lovely left hook! And Beterbiev felt that! Bivol is unloading punches, but now Beterbiev comes back!

Here we go, a firefight! Bivol is the one skipping around now, covering up! An uppercut lands for Beterbiev, and Bivol may be in a bit of danger? Beterbiev goes to the body now!

It was a good round for Bivol, but Beterbiev took it late! Is the momentum swaying??

“We have him now, Artur,” Beterbiev’s coach says. Bivol did well to stay calm in the final few seconds.

67-66 to Bivol, in my opinion.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:23 , Alex Pattle

Round six

This is better stuff from Beterbiev, who is gradually investing in the body as well.

Teasing jabs by Beterbiev. Bivol blocks them, but he’s not throwing back much at the moment.

Now he opens up, with a few body shots then a few head shots. But as he extends the combination, Beterbiev finds his moments to counter...

Bivol is skipping again, and the crowd voices its anticipation... Beterbiev is unable to land a notable punch, though, and Bivol lets go with a short combination.

Beterbiev with one of his own, ending with a right hook to the body. The boxers grapple late in the round, which is very close.

We’ll just give Beterbiev the benefit of the doubt... 58-56 to Bivol, maybe.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:19 , Alex Pattle

Round five

The pattern of the fight continues: Beterbiev on the front foot, but Bivol doing the much slicker boxing and occasionally turning up the dial.

Beterbiev with a hook to the arm of Bivol. Beterbiev is also flicking out his jab, not really landing but keeping Bivol honest.

Teasing jabs by Bivol, who lingers in front of Beterbiev a little dangerously... Well, very dangerously! But Bivol is able to circle out and get off his own shots.

More blocked punches by Beterbiev, but he is pressing the action. He lands a hard jab!

Bivol with his usual reaction: skipping around and throwing punches to keep Beterbiev off him.

But Beterbiev with another good jab, and a HARD body shot!

Left hook by Bivol, but that’s definitely Beterbiev’s round. 49-46 to Bivol?

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:15 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Beterbiev with a hard jab as he comes forward. Bivol with a tidy guard – it needs to be just that.

Bivol with a step-back one-two, then a hook! Beterbiev can catch anyone at any time, but Bivol is so fun to watch.

Bivol mixes it up now, working in some hooks, but he’s forced to skip around again as Beterbiev looks to gain some respect.

Jab to the body by Bivol. Beterbiev just about lands an overhand right, but it is a grazing shot.

Bivol’s output has slowed for the time being. And just as I say that, he gets his jab going.

Beterbiev with a flurry at the end of the round, but Bivol still seemed to do the better work overall.

40-36 to Bivol, as Indy Sport sees it.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:11 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Beterbiev presses forward, but he eats a trio of counter straights from Bivol, who now turns the screw! He’s picking his moments to add further shots, stinging Beterbiev.

Beterbiev still presses forward, however, in trademark fashion. He only needs one punch. And he lands a decent hook now! And another...

Bivol fires back, and Beterbiev responds with a flurry. The pace is quickening here! Bivol blocks a heavy hook.

The end of the round is a scrappy one!

It’s a closer frame, but Bivol just did a bit more. 30-27 to the WBA champ, perhaps.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:07 , Alex Pattle

So, at the very end of that round, both men opened up just for a few seconds, and each seemed to show a bit of power in those moments. Beterbiev, of course, packed a bit more of a punch...

Round two

This is so tense already. Bivol with well-timed jabs as Beterbiev steps forward. Bivol turns those jabs into one-twos, but Beterbiev keeps a high guard.

Hard left hook by Bivol, which moves Beterbiev. Another left hook, blocked by Beterbiev.

Beterbiev stalks forward and fires off a cross, but it doesn’t beat the guard. Bivol with a jab then a one-two.

Beterbiev’s face is redenned. He tries to get some momentum, but Bivol skips around the ring. He then throws a series of jabs to keep Beterbiev off him.

Bivol 20-18, as I have it.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event

23:03 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Bivol stares down Beterbiev, who mutters a prayer. And we’re under way – at long last, this fight is under way.

Both men stand orthodox. Bivol snaps out a jab first. He blocks a right hook and lands another jab. Beterbiev seems to be stepping on Bivol’s toe, but the younger man does the same in response.

More jabs from Bivol, to the head then the body, as Beterbiev presses forward. “Bivol” is the chant from the crowd. Unusually lively for a Saudi show, in all honesty.

More jabs from Bivol, who is standing in front of Beterbiev bravely – but managing range well so far...

Beterbiev jabs to the body now. Bivol tries a hook, but he doesn’t land all of it. He does land a cross, though, as part of a one-two.

Slick counter shots from Bivol, including a fine left hook. Beterbiev briefly pushes Bivol back to the ropes, but Bivol’s guard holds up.

Both men land hard right hands late in the round, and both men appear slightly wobbled – just for a fraction of a second!!

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main-event ring walks

22:51 , Alex Pattle

The ring walks are finally upon us! Artur Beterbiev is out first.

The 39-year-old is 20-0 with a stunning 20 KOs, and he holds the WBC, WBO and IBF titles. He jogs to the ring.

Now here comes Bivol, 33, with a pro record of 23-0 (12 KOs). He is the reigning WBA champion.

Both fighters look anxious to get going.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Main event up next

21:44 , Alex Pattle

One more fight tonight: Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol, for the undisputed light-heavyweight titles.

In the changing rooms, the champions are having their hands wrapped as we speak.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke 2

21:37 , Alex Pattle

Fabio Wardley def. Frazer Clarke via first-round TKO (2:28).

Wardley retains the British heavyweight title. Clarke received medical attention for quite some time there; perhaps a broken jaw to take care of...?

Wardley: “I always know, once I hurt someone, I can get rid of them. Once I have my enemies hurt, nothing can save them.

“I took enough assessment from the first fight to know: We had success in that war mode, we just needed to cuten it a bit.”

Promoter Frank Warren later tells DAZN: “I understand that Frazer has fractured his jaw, his cheekbone.”

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke 2

21:16 , Alex Pattle

The ring walks are almost upon us. Will this fight live up to its predecessor? We’ll find out in a matter of minutes...

Clarke is striding to the ring. He looks very confident! But so does Wardley, who has just joined him in Kingdom Arena.

Wardley is 17-0-1 (16 KOs) as a pro, while Olympic bronze medalist Clarke is 8-0-1 (6 KOs).

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Each flicks out a few jabs, then the heavyweights briefly grapple.

Decent body shot by Wardley, then a retort upstairs by Clarke. The latter follows up with a double-jab and a right cross. Wardley jabs to the body then lands a grazing cross up top.

OH! Wardley rocks Clarke with a right overhand, then pours on a flurry of fast shots!

A left hook and right hook, then another right hook, and Clarke sinks into the ropes! The ref starts counting, but Clarke’s face... His jaw is askew, there’s a DENT in his head, and his eyes aren’t there!

And the referee waves it off! NO WAR THIS TIME, over in round one!!!

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke 2

21:05 , Alex Pattle

Next up, a rematch of the arguable fight of the year: Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke.

The pair’s first bout, at the O2 Arena in March, was a bloody, draining, cinematic clash.

It ended as a draw, with Wardley retaining the British heavyweight title, and the unbeaten warriors meet again in a few minutes.

While we wait, why not read our exclusive interview with Clarke?

Frazer Clarke went through hell with Fabio Wardley – now he’s going back

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey

20:56 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Massey is so tough. Whenever you think he may be nearing the end, he comes back with a combination.

But all he can do right now is shove Opetaia away from him, between combinations from the champion.

Opetaia is varying his offence nicely, and his stamina has been so impressive.

OH! And Massey’s corner throws in the towel! Massey takes a moment to realise, then briefly protests, but it’s probably the right call...

Jai Opetaia def. Jack Massey via sixth-round TKO (2:00).

Plenty of respect between the two boxers.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey

20:49 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Massey is struggling to stay off the ropes and out of the corners. He eats a few body shots from Opetaia.

Both fighters land good right hands. Massey’s face is swelling a little, and he might be cut around the bridge of his nose...

Still, he’s having moments of success... And right as I say that, Opetaia pours on the pressure to end the round on top.

Round five

Opetaia is fast out the gates, cornering Massey and mixing up some offence. In the corner, before this round, the champion was asked: “Where’s your jab gone?” Opetaia is trying to get it going again.

Massey opens up once more, trying to keep pace with the Australian, but he’s soon put on the back foot. That blood around the bridge of Massey’s nose is spreading, and he’s been cut near his left eye...

Opetaia with some heavy punches now, to the head and body, and Massey looks drained.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey

20:41 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Opetaia edges forward. He lands a right hook to the head then a left hand to the body. Another body shot now, then a brief combination.

Another cross to the mid-section of Massey. These will add up. Massey fires back with a one-two, but Opetaia keeps a tight guard.

Massey is cornered again, and Opetaia sporadically picks his shots, mixing it up. The cruiserweights move into space, where Opetaia continues to spread out his shots, time-wise, but loading up on each one.

Round three

Massey with a nice left hook, but Opetaia eats it well. Another left hook from Massey, this time on the counter. Opetaia with a left hook of his own – and another.

Massey with a right hook to the body, but Opetaia continues to press forward, landing a straight shot now. Massey with some decent work at close range, though.

Both men land left hooks. Massey is opening up more as the fight goes on, but he’s spending too much time on the back foot.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey

20:27 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Australia’s Jai Opetaia defends the IBF cruiserweight title against Britain’s Jack Massey.

Opetaia is unbeaten, while Massey has two losses – one against Richard Riakporhe, and one to Joseph Parker at heavyweight.

This morning in London, I met one of Massey’s teammates, who is gathering with their other gym colleagues right now to watch the bout.

Round one

Opetaia stands southpaw, Massey is orthodox. Opetaia presses forward and fires off a cross. Massey comes back with an uppercut, but it’s blocked well.

Opetaia with a pair of left straights to the body. Massey is backed up to the ropes again. Opetaia feints as if he’s going to attack the midriff, before pinging a cross onto the chin of the Briton.

Massey with a jab up top and a right hook to the body. Nice work. He throws a longer combination to deter Opetaia from forcing him into the corner.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

20:13 , Alex Pattle

Chris Eubank Jr def. Kamil Szeremeta via seventh-round TKO (1:50).

With that, Eubank Jr picks up the IBO middleweight title.

“Speaking of easy work, look who we’ve got here, baby,” Eubank Jr says, as he faces off with Benn again. “This is the fight everyone wants to see, huh?”

Benn: “After that performance, you think I’m worried?”

Neymar enters the ring, and even though he’s primarily Portuguese-speaking, Benn insults Eubank Jr in Spanish and asks the footballer to translate.

Eubank Jr calls on Benn to “sign the contract”.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

20:10 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

In that round, Eubank Jr did well to invest in the body, too. He’s doing more of that in round seven as well.

He is warned for one or two punches to the back of Szeremeta’s head, but the action is soon under way again.

ANOTHER knockdown! It’s a body shot that puts down Szeremeta this time!

He’s back up once again, but Eubank Jr has the bit between his teeth, looking for the finish.

A FOURTH knockdown! Another body shot does it, and the ref says enough is enough!

There’s the stoppage win that Eubank Jr needed!

Conor Benn is already in the ring, pushing Eubank Jr, who just fist-bumped Neymar at ringside...

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

20:02 , Alex Pattle

Round five

More of the same as we near the midway mark of this 12-round fight. Eubank Jr is getting hit much more than he would’ve liked, but Szeremeta doesn’t have the weight of shot to trouble the Briton too badly.

Round six

The pattern of the fight continues: Eubank Jr getting the better of the Pole, but Szeremeta sporadically troubling the favourite.

OH! But down goes Szeremeta after a clean right hook from Eubank Jr! It’s late in the round, and Szeremeta is able to climb to his feet and beat the ref’s count before the bell.

Two knockdowns of the underdog in six rounds.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

19:54 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Eubank Jr with a left uppercut and right hook. He then misses with a wild left hook, and Szeremeta wrestles the Briton to his knees.

Back up, and Szeremeta lands a clean overhand right! He just doesn’t seem to have the power to hurt Eubank Jr, though...

Having said that, Eubank Jr is actually sporting some blood, seemingly from a cut on his brow. He’s wrestled to the mat again now. Again Eubank Jr stands, and he digs to the body of Szeremeta a few times with uppercuts.

Round four

A replay shows that Eubank Jr was cut by an accidental headbutt and a follow-up hook. In the corner between rounds, Eubank Jr is told to focus on small punches, not big shots.

As round four begins, he is not listening to his coaches, aha... Maybe it will serve him well; he’s pouring on punches.

But he’s intermittently getting tagged, too. It’s largely because he’s telegraphing these harder shots, I’d say.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

19:46 , Alex Pattle

Round one

So, the story here is that Eubank Jr – aged 35 – is running out of time to have the biggest fights available. And he needs a statement win to get those fights. ‘A decision will not do,’ is the general thinking.

He starts with some sharp jabs, then a one-two, which drops Szeremeta to his knees!! Barely one minute gone!

Eubank Jr tries a few uppercuts, but his middleweight opponent stays out of reach. Now Szeremeta holds Eubank Jr. The pair separate, and Szeremeta lands a slick cross. More good jabs from Eubank Jr, though.

Szeremeta has another decent spell, however! He’s done well to stay in this round.

Round two

Conor Benn is watching from ringside, by the way, a couple of days after he and Eubank Jr traded heated words at a hotel in Riyadh. They were due to fight two years ago, but Benn’s failed drug tests curbed that bout – and he has not fought in Britain since, due to a ban.

A slower round here, with a few boos as Eubank Jr and Szeremeta grapple. The boxers separate, and Eubank Jr lands a right and left uppercut back-to-back! What a rare sequence.

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn separated by security during hotel run-in

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta

19:33 , Alex Pattle

Indy Sport columnist Steve Bunce is on hand to preview Chris Eubank Jr’s fight, which is up next...

“Chris Eubank Jr has had a lot of time to think about where he is going and where he has been in the boxing business.

“Tonight, here in Riyadh, Eubank Jr will have his 37th fight when he meets Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta. It is all part of a much bigger plan, having accepted a unique responsibility outside the ring following the sudden death of his brother Sebastian.

“In recent weeks, the boxer has had a spectacular and very public row with his former promoters and has talked boldly of a series of fights to end his career.

“He is older, wiser and far from finished.”

Full article:

Chris Eubank Jr is not done yet and key change can land the fight everybody wants

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman

19:20 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

A bit more grappling, before the women separate and Nicolson easily evades a lunging Chapman.

Nicolson then lands a pair of left hooks at close range. More clinching now.

After the round, Chapman’s corner tells her: “I think we just have to give her everything now.”

Round 10

So, Chapman needs a knockout. What can she produce in this final round?

A lot of feints from her, but Nicolson isn’t biting, and so Chapman isn’t going for the shots after all.

When she eventually does, Nicolson continues to pick her off on the counter.

And to the scorecards we’ll go...

Skye Nicolson def. Raven Chapman via unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92).

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman

19:13 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Chapman is running out of time to make the necessary changes here.

She jabs to the body, in a smarter move, but Nicolson times a counter cross very well.

Now a naked cross, but Chapman can’t stop it.

Round eight

Chapman said before this fight that she can knock out Nicolson. Well, she needs to!

The challenger tries to corner Nicolson, who stays light on her feet and skips into space.

Both women land left hooks before tying up. They separate, and Nicolson connects again with a left hook on the turn.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman

19:07 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Chapman continues to press forward, with Nicolson still content to counter. Another rear uppercut lands for the champion.

Round six

Into the second half of the fight. More counter hooks from Nicolson, although Chapman catches her on the end of a right cross.

Nicolson is smiling, looking like she’s having the time of her life.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman

19:01 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Southpaw Nicolson finally sits down on a shot, and that gets a reaction out of Chapman.

Oh! Well-timed counter from Nicolson. This is better from the Aussie.

A rear uppercut catches out Chapman now. And a hook. Nicolson has found her rhythm.

Chapman with a decent right hand, though, leaping in.

Round four

Will I ever get through one of these events without writing, “These two-minute rounds really fly by”? No.

Into the fourth round of 10. Nicolson with a counter left hook, but Chapman gets through with a right hook.

Nicolson taxes Chapman on a couple of over-eager entries by the Briton.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman

18:58 , Alex Pattle

Anyway, the undercard continues!

Skye Nicolson defends the WBC women’s featherweight title against Raven Chapman.

Both fighters are unbeaten. Chapman represents Britain, Nicolson fights out of Australia.

Rounds one and two

A bit of an aggressive start from Chapman, who is pressing forward and keeping Nicolson thinking.

The featherweights briefly grapple, with Chapman landing a decent right hand before that clinch and one after.

There’s a bit of the Whittaker fight in this bout: Nicolson, the favoured fighter, isn’t off to the sharpest start.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron

18:36 , Alex Pattle

Whittaker is now on his stool in the corner, being asked if he wants to continue.

His leg is getting checked. He seems to be in some discomfort. Is it the leg, or a nerve issue from his back?

Some observers will feel like Whittaker is looking for a way out, but either way, the fight is going to the scorecards!

This could be very close. It was trending in Cameron’s direction, but did he do enough across those five rounds to get the win...?

Whittaker won’t be in the ring for the reading of the scorecards; he’s been taken away in a wheelchair!

Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron fight to split draw (technical decision; 58-57, 57-58, 58-58).

How is that a draw? Where was the 10-8 round???

Ben Whittaker injured after crashing over top rope in bizarre end to fight

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron

18:33 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Approaching the midway point of this 10-round fight.

Cameron is talking some trash to Whittaker when they’re clinching, it seems.

Whittaker is taken to the corner by the referee, after Cameron’s team complain about a low blow. The ref warns Whittaker that he’ll be deducted a point if he does it again.

Cameron is landing almost at will now, and... what’s this?!?! As the bell sounds, the fighters tumble over the top rope and onto the ring apron! I’ve never seen that before, except in WWE!

Cameron eventually stands, but Whittaker is still down!

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron

18:24 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Whittaker is starting to land with increasing frequency, and power, now. His right cross especially is getting through.

Those marks around Cameron’s eyes are worsening slightly, particularly on the left side.

But the underdog is still doing decent work here and there, using his experience and weight to get the most out of the clinches.

Two right hands from Cameron now! A hook and a straight. But Whittaker stays calm and comes back, forcing Cameron to the ropes and letting his hands go.

Round four

The light-heavyweights trade jabs, before Cameron throws a one-two upstairs then a left hook to the body.

There’s some phone-booth fighting, with each man leaning on the other and unfurling body shots.

Lovely combination from Cameron now, mixing up targets – head and body. Cameron tries to fire back with a right hook, but he’s totally off-balance.

Don’t get me wrong, Whittaker is still boxing well, but he’s absorbed the most damage we’ve seen in his pro career so far. He’s tagged by two hooks upstairs, only partially blocking them.

“If you are what you say you are, a superstar...” The lyrics of “Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco ring around the arena. Are you listening, Ben?

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron

18:16 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Olympic silver medalist Whittaker is 8-0 (5 KOs) as a pro, while Cameron is 23-6 (10 KOs).

Whittaker is known for his precise striking and his showboating. Already some of the former, none of the latter yet...

Whittaker is flicking out his orthodox jab, but he’s also waiting for Cameron to let his hands go, eyeing some counters.

The Britons tie up here and there. Cameron, after one clinch, catches Whittaker on the end of a jab.

Cameron – also standing orthodox, by the way – already looks marked up around his eyes, though. Some reddening, it looks like.

Whittaker with some longer combinations later in the round, more aggression now.

Round two

Cameron with some decent hooks at close range, as Whittaker struggles to clinch cleanly.

Nice counter cross by Whittaker, though. Great timing on that.

He’s also happy to flick gentle jabs at his opponent’s guard, perhaps lulling Cameron into a false sense of security.

Solid uppercut by Cameron! Now a right straight! Whittaker fires back with a rapid flurry to the body.

Good head movement by Whittaker and a little bit of showboating at last. Already, however, Cameron is offering Whittaker more of a test than most of the “Surgeon”’s opponents.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Undercard begins!

18:05 , Alex Pattle

So, Mohammed Alakel beat Jesus Gonzalez via unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36).

Next up, Britain’s Ben Whittaker faces compatriot Liam Cameron at light-heavyweight!

The ring walks are upon us.

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Saudi Arabia’s next bold move to revolutionise boxing

15:30 , Alex Pattle

The Saudis have made the biggest fights available on numerous channels, and now they are lowering pay-per-view prices. But do these new prices come at a different kind of cost?

Comment piece:

Saudi Arabia’s next bold move to revolutionise boxing

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Tonight, boxing offers up the perfect fight

15:00 , Alex Pattle

Every now and then in boxing, you get a perfect fight. They’re hard to find, and harder to get signed, but they do exist. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is one such fight.

For all the warranted criticism of Saudi Arabia’s entry into boxing, amid concerns over sportswashing, the realm’s new rulers have undoubtedly delivered match-ups that previously eluded fans. Among those match-ups, of course, one is likelier to find these perfect fights.

In May, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk squared off in one of them: the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in 25 years, a meeting of unbeaten, generational talents. But even then, a “perfect” fight is usually just that on paper, and not necessarily in the ring. Fury and Usyk, however, delivered a modern classic, and they may yet do the same in their rematch on 21 December.

Overshadowed by that pair of heavyweight blockbusters in Riyadh, sitting between them chronologically and taking place in the same city, is Saturday’s main event: Beterbiev vs Bivol.

Main-event preview:

This weekend, boxing offers up the perfect fight

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE: Pound-for-pound rankings

13:42 , Alex Pattle

See where Bivol and Beterbiev sit in our pound-for-pound top 10, and why:

Who’s really the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world?

Bivol vs Beterbiev LIVE

12:00 , Alex Pattle

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev will finally share a ring tonight, as they meet in an undisputed title fight in Saudi Arabia.

The unbeaten light-heavyweights have orbited one another for some time, and they were due to clash in Riyadh in June, but Beterbiev sustained a knee injury that delayed the bout.

It has now arrived, however, with Beterbiev carrying the WBC, WBO and IBF belts into the Kingdom Arena, while 33-year-old Bivol reigns as WBA Super champion. Both boxers are pound-for-pound stars in the sport, with Beterbiev at No 6 in the Indy Sport rankings and Bivol at No 5.

Beterbiev, even at 39, is one of the most devastating punchers in all of boxing, having compiled a 20-0 record with 20 knockouts. Bivol, meanwhile, has gone 23-0 with 12 KOs as a slick mover, a fluid technician, and a volume puncher.

The contrast in styles should make for an intriguing match-up, and the fight caps off an impressive card: Chris Eubank Jr is in action before the main event, while heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke meet in a rematch of one of the fights of the year: their bloody bout for the British title, which ended as a draw in March.