Dmitry Bivol has gained revenge on Artur Beterbiev.
The two light heavyweight greats met on Saturday in a highly-anticipated rematch of their October clash, which saw Beterbiev win by majority decision to become undisputed champion at 175lbs.
After yet another fantastic contest that went the full 12-round distance, this time it was Bivol who came out on top, also getting his hand raised by majority decision to win the rematch and capture the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO titles from Beterbiev.
At 40-years-old, some boxing fans questioned if this could have been the last time they saw Beterbiev in the ring, after a long and gruelling career that has seen him pick up a number of injuries.
Beterbiev has now answered those questions in just three words during his post-fight interview, after revealing what he plans to do next after the loss.
“I’ll come back.”
Beterbiev then made it clear that he wants the trilogy contest with Bivol next, after admitting he’d have preferred not to have the rematch.
“Congratulations to Bivol’s team. I think this fight was better than the first fight but we’ll see. I didn’t want to do a second fight, but no problem, we’re going to do a third fight.”
Bivol also shared his thoughts on his victory, revealing just what it means for him to avenge his defeat and become undisputed champion.
“I’m just so happy. I went through a lot last year. Thank you everybody so much. To be honest I lost [the first fight] and felt a little bit easier maybe. I didn’t pressure myself too much this time like before the last fight.
“I just wanted to work from the first round to the end of the 12th. I was pushing myself more. I was more confident. I was lighter. I just wanted to win so much today.
“I just told myself ‘he could start from the beginning to disrupt me, to disturb me.’ it was hard to be honest to keep him at distance in the first four rounds, then I saw he was tired. I was tired also but I had to be smarter and land more clean punches, and I did it.”
Bivol then confirmed he would accept the trilogy, but wants a break first.
“I’m ready for any challenge in the future. I want a little bit of rest because I had some injuries in the summer and this time I had injuries and was using antiinflammation almost all camp. I want to heal myself and come back.”
