Dmitry Bivol’s group has formally filed a protest with the 4 governing our bodies, in search of an instant rematch with Artur Beterbiev after their gentle heavyweight conflict on October twelfth at Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The extremely anticipated bout ended with Beterbiev profitable by a 12-round majority determination, however the consequence has sparked controversy. Bivol’s camp believes the struggle was nearer than the scorecards prompt and is pushing for a second probability to settle the rating. Because the boxing world debates the legitimacy of the protest, followers are left questioning if a rematch is really on the horizon.
Whereas Artur Beterbiev secured the victory, Dmitry Bivol’s group argues {that a} “majority of viewers” believed Bivol ought to have been declared the winner. This declare has generated combined reactions throughout the boxing group, as figuring out public opinion in such circumstances is tough to quantify. Regardless of the contentious nature of the protest, it has efficiently saved the highlight on Bivol, a key determine within the gentle heavyweight division. The protest submitting has fueled hypothesis a few potential rematch, which many consider might be one of many greatest fights within the division’s future.
“I did what we ready” Beterbiev says after shut determination win over Bivol
Bivol’s group hopes that their protest will result in the governing our bodies ordering a direct rematch with Beterbiev. Whereas this stays to be seen, followers are divided over whether or not a rematch is important. For Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs), different potential blockbuster fights in opposition to Canelo Alvarez or David Benavidez might be extra interesting. Nonetheless, if these choices aren’t accessible, a second struggle with Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) might be the following greatest step for each fighters.
As discussions across the potential rematch warmth up, many followers recall the tactical strategy Bivol took within the first struggle, which did not excite the group. After getting shocked within the seventh spherical, Bivol’s defensive technique turned extra obvious as he used fixed motion to keep away from Beterbiev’s energy. Whereas this helped him survive the complete 12 rounds, it led to a less-than-thrilling struggle that left many questioning if a rematch would play out the identical approach.
Boxing analyst Jake Donovan highlighted the protest on X, stating, “Informed that Dmitry Bivol’s group has filed a protest with all 4 sanctioning our bodies in search of a direct rematch with Artur Beterbiev. The idea for attraction is the assumption that almost all of viewers had Bivol profitable. Grievance attracts parallels to Lewis-Holyfield I.” Though parallels to previous controversial choices are being drawn, the success of this protest stays unsure.
Beterbiev’s late-round domination leaves Bivol struggling to outlive
One factor most analysts agree on is Beterbiev’s capacity to dominate late within the struggle. Gareth A. Davies, from talkSport Boxing, famous Beterbiev’s highly effective comeback after the seventh spherical. “When Beterbiev got here to life, you thought, ‘This might be the tip right here.’ Bivol has by no means been bullied like that earlier than.” Davies identified that Beterbiev’s relentless stress from the eighth spherical onward left Bivol struggling to take care of management.
Bivol’s determination to keep away from partaking with Beterbiev within the last rounds puzzled many followers. The Russian fighter appeared content material to outlive slightly than take the dangers wanted to win. Beterbiev, recognized for his knockout energy, turned up the warmth, chasing Bivol across the ring and chopping off his escape routes. By the ultimate spherical, it was clear that Bivol’s technique was to carry on, with little intention of partaking in a firefight.
Barry Jones, a ringside commentator, praised Beterbiev’s energy, stating, “This was the primary time I used to be stay for a Beterbiev struggle. That energy is actual. He hits so onerous that you just’re watching, and also you maintain your breath. Within the final two rounds, it regarded like he was getting dividends for that work. He simply could not get the ultimate end.” For Bivol, it was a survival sport, however for Beterbiev, it was about proving his dominance within the gentle heavyweight division.
Because the boxing world waits to see if the governing our bodies will grant Bivol’s protest, the potential for a rematch looms massive. If the 2 fighters meet once more, Bivol might want to regulate his technique to keep away from the identical destiny, whereas Beterbiev might be trying to depart little question about his superiority within the ring.
