Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol after stating the result was ‘unfair’ on the Matchroom fighter a he ‘won two more rounds’

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports authority and head of the General Entertainment Authority, has voiced his desire to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following Beterbiev’s controversial points victory in their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. 

Alalshikh, a key figure in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia, believes the result of the fight was not fair and is already working to organise a second showdown between the two champions.

Beterbiev’s victory, secured by a majority decision after twelve rounds of intense action, has sparked widespread debate in the boxing community, with many—including professional fighters—arguing that Bivol deserved the win. 

While Beterbiev’s aggressive style and power shots earned him the judges’ nod, Bivol’s technical skill and ring control had many feeling he had done enough to claim victory.

Alalshikh, who has played a major role in bringing boxing mega-fights to Saudi Arabia over the last 12 months, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result, suggesting that the judges may have gotten it wrong. 

Both Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol have expressed their openness to a rematch, following what many are already calling an epic encounter

Speaking about the result, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground: ‘This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion. The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.’

Known for his passion for combat sports and his ability to deliver blockbuster events, Alalshikh is already in talks with both Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s teams to make the rematch a reality. 

He is reportedly keen on hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prime destination for high-profile boxing matches, including bouts involving Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh 

Bivol, who many believe was ‘robbed’ of a victory, has welcomed the idea of a rematch. While Beterbiev, now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has also indicated that he would be open to a second fight. 

The potential rematch has already generated excitement among fans and boxing insiders alike, with many viewing it as a must-see event. Given Alalshikh’s track record of organising high-stakes fights, there is growing anticipation that this rematch could come together quickly.