🔥 SHOCKING! The Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev Fight Result Was Overturned After It Was Discovered That Bivol Was Using Performance-Enhancing Drugs During the Match

The boxing world is in turmoil after a bombshell revelation led to the stunning cancellation of the highly anticipated Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev light heavyweight unification fight result, which took place on February 22, 2025, at Kingdom Arena. Just days after Bivol’s controversial unanimous decision victory over Beterbiev, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) announced that the fight’s outcome has been overturned due to evidence that Bivol tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), plunging the sport into chaos and igniting a fierce debate about 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 over 1 million pay-per-view buyers, with Bivol, the WBA and IBO light heavyweight champion, edging out 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 division’s undisputed king—until the shocking news broke.

Late Tuesday, the WBC and IBF released a joint statement confirming that Bivol’s post-fight urine sample, collected immediately after the bout, tested positive for traces of erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance known to boost 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 the Bivol vs. Beterbiev fight is hereby nullified, and Dmitry Bivol’s titles are suspended pending a full investigation.”

Bivol, 34, from Kyrgyzstan and based in Russia, issued a frantic denial on X, posting, “This is a lie! I’ve never used PEDs in my life. Someone is trying to destroy my career and legacy. I demand an immediate retest and independent review.” His team has accused VADA of mishandling the sample or tampering with 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 trace amounts of clenbuterol, another banned substance linked to fat loss and muscle growth, further complicating his defense.

Beterbiev, 40, the Russian-Canadian powerhouse with an unblemished 21-0 record (all knockouts), was both 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’s fans have taken to X, flooding the platform with #JusticeForBeterbiev, while Bivol’s supporters argue the positive tests could be due 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 elevate Saudi Arabia as a boxing hub. Alalshikh, who spent over $100 million promoting the event, expressed dismay in a statement: “We are committed to clean sport, but this betrayal undermines our vision. We will cooperate fully with the investigations and ensure transparency.” Sources suggest Alalshikh may demand refunds for PPV buyers, though no official decision has been announced.

VADA, known for its rigorous testing protocols, defended its findings, with CEO Dr. Margaret Goodman stating, “Our tests are 99.9% accurate, and the presence of EPO in Bivol’s system is undeniable. This is a serious breach, and we take no pleasure in delivering this news.” The organization confirmed it is conducting additional tests on Bivol’s blood samples to rule out laboratory errors, but early indications suggest a deliberate violation.

Boxing’s governing bodies have moved 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 purse from the fight—estimated at $15 million. Beterbiev, meanwhile, is expected to be reinstated as the IBF champion, with discussions underway to award him the WBA and IBO titles as well.

Fans on X are divided, with the hashtag #BivolCheater trending alongside #BeterbievVindicated. Some accuse Bivol of tarnishing the sport, with one user posting, “This is the darkest day in boxing—Bivol’s legacy is ruined.” Others defend him, arguing, “He’s been clean for 11 years; this could be a setup or contamination. We need more evidence!”

The fallout extends beyond the ring. Promoters Eddie Hearn and Bob Arum, who have ties to both fighters, expressed disappointment, with Hearn telling *Sky Sports*, “This is a disaster for boxing’s credibility. If Bivol’s guilty, he deserves the harshest penalty, but we must ensure due process.” Arum added, “I’ve known Dmitry for years—this doesn’t add up. We need transparency from VADA.”

As the investigation unfolds, Beterbiev’s camp is pushing for a rematch, with Alalshikh reportedly open to hosting it in Riyadh later in 2025. Bivol, however, faces an uncertain future, with his career and reputation hanging in the balance. The light heavyweight division, once defined by its purity and excellence, now grapples with a scandal that could redefine its legacy.

Stay tuned for updates as this shocking story develops, with more details expected from the WBC, IBF, and VADA in the coming days. Follow #BivolBeterbiev on X for real-time reactions and insights from the boxing world.