It was in effect ‘The Day of Reckoning.’ The world must have come to realize that the claws of ‘The Beast,’ despite a year-long hiatus, haven’t lost any of their sharpness. Lyndon Arthur, despite his heroic stand, could not match up to what Dmitry Bivol threw in the ring.

The 32-year-old Mancunian suffered his second career loss to the reigning WBA (super) light heavyweight champion some time ago in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena. The duo clashed as one of the cards in Anthony Joshua versus Otto Wallin: Day of Reckoning. The event also features Deontay Wilder taking on Joseph Parker in the co-main fight. Right from the opening round, it was clear who held the reigns of the match. A relentless barrage of power jabs kept Lyndon Arthur on the ropes for most of the time. In the end, all three judges gave a unanimous verdict in favor of the Russian champion. Ever since, a slew of reactions, including a few from known names, have flown in celebrating Bivol’s win.

Dmitry Bivol: Simply too good

Most were simply in awe of the way Bivol controlled the fight. But, as could be expected, the eleventh-title defense has also offset talks of a much bigger fight. Something that most fans and followers would kill to watch.

Former world champion Shawn Porter lauded Dmitry Bivol. Especially Porter seems to appreciate the way Bivol tackled the tail-ending rounds. The former world champion mentioned that he always liked boxers who had a repertoire of punches to execute.

Light heavyweight Anthony Yarde, who lost his second attempt at world titles against Artur Beterbiev early this January, mentioned that it’s high time Bivol and Beterbiev clashed.

Former super featherweight champion Jamel Herring stated that though he likes watching Bivol, it was the Deontay Wilder bout that he was waiting for.

But, former British cruiserweight champion, Enzo Maccarinelli, who had once defeated Roy Jones Jr., stated that despite all his talent, Bivol is still unable to enforce an early stoppage.

Finally, former light middleweight champion Tony Harrison, who lost the title bout to Tim Tszyu in March, mentioned that Dmitry Bivol is one of the top three hardest boxers to defeat.

Dmitry Bivol last defeated Gilberto Ramirez on November 5, 2022, in Abu Dhabi. Since then, there have been talks of a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, whom he defeated in May 2022. But nothing substantial ever came up.

2024: Will the giants meet?

It remains to be seen how Dmitry Bivol takes advantage of the win. The champion, who turned 33 last week, could finally pursue the undisputed challenge with fellow Russian, though Canadian-resident, Artur Beterbiev. However, the WBC’s stand on Russian fighters might appear as an obstacle. But there could be a window of opportunity. Beterbiev will meet Callum next month. So if he wins, there is a good chance of the generational bout between the two great light heavyweights finally coming about.

Read More: After Canelo Alvarez’s Team Ignores David Benavidez’s $50 Million Offer, Dmitry Bivol Takes Away Mexican Icon’s Chance of Avenging His Loss, and Fans Are Happy About It

What’s your take on Dmitry Bivol’s latest triumph? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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