🔥 SHOCKING! The result of the fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev was annulled after it was discovered that Bivol had consumed performance-enhancing drugs during the fight
The boxing world is in shock after a shocking revelation led to the shocking cancellation of the long-awaited outcome of the light heavyweight unification fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, which was set to take place on February 22, 2025, at the Kingdom Arena. Just days after Bivol’s controversial unanimous decision win over Beterbiev, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) announced that the result of the fight had been annulled due to evidence that Bivol tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), plunging the sport into chaos and igniting a fierce debate over integrity in boxing.
The fight, billed as the “Battle of the Titans” and promoted by Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, drew a global audience of more than 1 million pay-per-view buyers, with Bivol, the WBA and IBO light heavyweight champion, outpointing Beterbiev, the WBC, IBF and WBO champion, in a razor-thin 115-113, 116-112, 117-111 decision. Bivol’s tactical mastery and elusive movement were praised by commentators, but Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and devastating power left fans divided. The victory unified three of the four major light heavyweight titles, positioning Bivol as the undisputed king of the division – until the shocking news broke.
On Tuesday night, the WBC and IBF issued a joint statement confirming that Bivol’s urine sample, collected immediately after the fight, tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance known to increase red blood cell production and endurance. The test, conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), revealed levels consistent with performance enhancement, contradicting Bivol’s claims of clean training and sparking outrage among fans, fighters and promoters. “We are deeply saddened to confirm this violation,” the statement read. “The result of Bivol’s fight against Beterbiev is hereby voided and Dmitry Bivol’s titles are hereby suspended pending a full investigation.”
Bivol, 34, of Kyrgyzstan based in Russia, issued a frenzied denial on X, posting: “This is a lie! I have never used PEDs in my life. Someone is trying to destroy my career and legacy. I demand immediate retesting and independent review.” His team has accused VADA of mishandling the sample or tampering with the results, but the evidence is mounting. Leaked documents obtained by ESPN show that Bivol’s pre-fight sample, taken two weeks before the bout, also contained traces of clenbuterol, another banned substance linked to fat loss and muscle growth, further complicating his defense.
Beterbiev, 40, the powerful Russian-Canadian with an unblemished record of 21-0 (all by knockout), was devastated and vindicated by the news. Speaking from Montreal, he told *The Ring*: “I knew something wasn’t right in the ring. Dmitry was faster, stronger than ever and I felt cheated. This proves it – I deserve my belts back and justice must be served.” Beterbiev fans have taken to X, flooding the platform with #JusticeForBeterbiev, while Bivol supporters argue the positive tests could be down to contamination or a false positive, citing his clean record since turning pro in 2014.
The scandal has rocked Riyadh Season, Turki Alalshikh’s ambitious initiative to turn Saudi Arabia into a boxing hub. Alalshikh, who spent more than $100 million promoting the event, expressed his dismay in a statement: “We are committed to clean sport, but this betrayal undermines our vision. We will fully cooperate with investigations and ensure transparency.” Sources suggest Alalshikh may demand refunds from PPV buyers, although no official decision has been announced.
VADA, known for its rigorous testing protocols, defended its findings, with its chief executive Dr Margaret Goodman saying: “Our tests are 99.9% accurate and the presence of EPO in Bivol’s system is undeniable. This is a serious breach and we are not pleased to report this.” The organisation confirmed it is carrying out further testing on Bivol’s blood samples to rule out laboratory errors, but early indications suggest a deliberate breach.
Boxing’s governing bodies have acted swiftly. The WBC has stripped Bivol of his titles and issued a provisional suspension, while the IBF has followed suit, pending a formal hearing scheduled for March 2025. Bivol faces a potential two-year ban, fines and the loss of his entire fight purse, estimated at $15 million. Beterbiev, meanwhile, is expected to be reinstated as IBF champion, with talks underway to award him the WBA and IBO titles as well.
X’s fans are divided, with the hashtag #BivolCheater trending alongside #BeterbievVindicated. Some accuse Bivol of tarnishing the sport, with one user posting: “This is boxing’s darkest day – Bivol’s legacy is ruined.” Others defend him, arguing: “He’s been clean for 11 years – this could be cheating or contamination. We need more proof!”
The fallout extends beyond the ring. Promoters Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum, who have ties to both fighters, have expressed their disappointment. Hearn told Sky Sports: “This is a disaster for the credibility of boxing. If Bivol is guilty, he deserves the harshest punishment, but we must ensure due process.” Arum added: “I have known Dmitry for years, this doesn’t add up. We need transparency from VADA.”
As the investigation unfolds, Beterbiev’s team is pushing for a rematch, with Alalshikh said to be keen to host it in Riyadh in late 2025. However, Bivol faces an uncertain future, with his career and reputation at stake. The light heavyweight division, once defined by its purity and excellence, is now facing a scandal that could redefine its legacy.
Stay tuned for updates as this shocking story develops. The WBC, IBF and VADA are expected to provide further details in the coming days. Follow #BivolBeterbiev on X for real-time reactions and opinions from the boxing world.
