Photos: Dmitry Bivol Outclasses Lyndon Arthur Over Twelve Rounds

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) returned to the ring for the first time in over a year to dominate Lyndon Arthur (23-2, 16 KOs) over twelve rounds. The victory allowed Bivol to capture Athur's IBO title. (photos by Mark Robinson)

All three judges saw it 120-107.

Bivol came out pressing in the very first round. He had Arthur backing up and tentative. Bivol was connecting with power jabs and quick hooks to the head. In the second, Bivol continued to apply pressure and was opening up with power shots that pressed Arthur against the ropes. Arthur was in full retreat as Bivol was starting to unload with heavy combinations.

In the third, Bivol was punishing Arthur with punches from all angles. The fourth had Arthur continue to take punishment from a very aggressive Bivol. After controlling the fifth, Bivol came out firing with both hands in the sixth. Not much of a change in the seventh, with Bivol just unloading on Arthur from start to finish. Bivol's lack of big power was allowing Arthur to weather the storms.

Arthur had some success in the eight with a good body shot that forced Bivol back. Arthur followed it with a solid right. Bivol was getting inside in the ninth, where he was hooking well to the head. Arthur had some minor success when he came forward. The tenth round saw Bivol slow down his pace and pick his spots. Bivol closed strong in the final minute with a big flurry of punches.

The eleventh had Bivol boxing off the jab and setting up other punches. He pressed Arthur against the ropes and connected with several shots to the head and body to finally send Arthur down at the bell. In the twelfth and final round, Bivol came out hot with numerous combinations on Arthur against the ropes. Arthur was in serious trouble as Bivol was looking to finish the fight with a stoppage. Arthur once again managed to weather the storm as Bivol seemed to punch himself out. Bivol flurried with a variety of punches in the closing moments.

bv