Artur Beterbiev issues statement after Dmitry | Boxing News

Artur Beterbiev vowed to “come back even stronger” as he teased a potential third combat with Dmitry Bivol after defeat in Saudi Arabia.

Russian boxing star Bivol prevailed over his compatriot on factors to win the undisputed light-heavyweight world title in a dazzling contest that had followers asking for even more.

Beterbiev, 40, had the higher of the early rounds however drained because the combat continued and with scores of 114-114, 116-112 and 115-113, Bivol claimed the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF titles.

With the pair every successful one of their two battles up to now, calls have been made for a third combat to determine the higher fighter, as Beterbiev opened the door to persevering with boxing.

“It was a good fight with a strong opponent,” he wrote on Instagram. “I thank everyone who supported me all the way. But sport is sport. We will definitely come back even stronger.

“God’s plans are all the time higher than ours. Alhamdulillah for every thing.”

After 24 rounds of boxing of the highest level, a decider has been demanded by fans, but Beterbiev admitted that he did not even want to take to the stage in Riyadh.

“I did not need the second combat, it wasn’t my selection, however no drawback. We can do a third combat if we need to,” Beterbiev said after his first professional loss in 22 fights.

“I do not wish to speak concerning the resolution, it is robust. Congratulations to Bivol’s group. I assumed this combat was higher than the primary combat, however we’ll see. Now is my time to return back.”

Bivol said that he was “prepared for any problem” after avenging his previous defeat.

“I simply am so joyful, he stated, ringside. “I went through it a lot in the last years. Thank you everyone so much. I appreciate everyone so much and everyone who supports me here, thank you.

“To be trustworthy, I misplaced and I really feel a little bit simpler possibly. I did not strain an excessive amount of this time. I needed to work from the primary spherical to the tip of the twelfth. I used to be higher. I used to be pushing myself more, I used to be more assured and I used to be lighter. I needed to win a lot right now.

“I told myself he could stay from the beginning to disturb me. It was hard to keep him in the distance and then I saw that he was tired also.

“I needed to be smarter and punch more clean punches and I did. Every particular person in my camp helped me a lot. Everything was on my facet. Everyone in my group was important.

“I’m ready for any challenge. I want a little bit of rest because I had some injuries in the summer and this time I had injuries. I want to heal myself and come back.”