Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: undisputed light heavyweight championship – live

Important events

Jai Opetaia has just stopped Britain's Jack Massey after Masse's corner threw in the towel in the sixth round. The 29-year-old Sydneysider has successfully defended his IBF cruiserweight title and only one undercard fight remains: Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title. Afterwards Beterbiev and Bivol will perform.

Jai Opetaia (right) delivers a punch to Jack Massey during the IBF cruiserweight title fight. Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images

preamble

Hello and welcome to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh for today's summit between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. There are big fights. There are blockbusters. And there are events like this that promise to define an era. Tonight's long-awaited showdown between two undefeated veterans of the ring and former Russian amateur teammates is not only a delicious clash of styles, but promises to determine generational supremacy in the 175-pound class.

Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KO), the WBC, IBF and WBO light heavyweight world champion, is a Russian-born Canadian knockout artist known for his relentless pressure and devastating power. Bivol (23-0, 12 KO), the Kyrgyzstan-born, California-based technician who holds the WBA title, is better known for deft counterpunching, disciplined defense and ring intelligence. (Ask Canelo Álvarez.)

Bivol will try to neutralize Beterbiev's pressure by keeping his distance, using lateral movements and scoring with crisp jabs and counterattacks. Beterbiev will look to close the distance, cut off the ring and assert his power through fighting and bodywork. The outcome could depend on who can impose their style on the other.

The main event is expected to begin in about two hours. There will be a lot more until then.

Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime, here's a look at Friday's weigh-ins, where Beterbiev (174.9 pounds) and Bivol (174.12 pounds) both came in just under the division limit.