Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev squared off in a light heavyweight unification bout. The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh was electric. Punches flew, sweat poured, and the crowd roared. When the final bell rang, everyone held their breath as Beterbiev was announced the victor. The former undefeated champ, however, isn’t taking his controversial loss lying down. His team is gearing up to throw a legal haymaker at the judges’ scorecards.
Judge Pawel Kardyni somehow saw it 116-112 for Beterbiev. In a fight that was neck and neck, it was very wide. Dmitry Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, cried foul and demanded answers. He revealed that they were going to file a complaint against the atrocious scorecard.
“We are going to file a protest [on Monday]…. I think the judge has to have at least some kind of responsibility for what he did. It is becoming very destructive to the sport, what they are doing. These organizations have supervisors, the supervises are all friendly with the judges, they are hugging promoters, it’s beginning to look like a scheme,” said Kornilov via BoxNation.
Kornilov’s not just throwing wild punches, though. He claimed he saw some pretty suspect behavior. Apparently, a supervisor was hugging Artur Beterbiev’s promoter before the results were even announced.
Dmitry Bivol himself is not talking about this much. He is already thinking about the rematch and how he can do better. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh recently revealed that he would be interested in making the rematch as he felt the decision was unfair. It remains to be seen what these legendary fighters have in store for them in the future.
Dmitry Bivol Feels ‘Shame’ Making Excuses After His Loss To Artur Beterbiev
Bivol and Beterbiev squared off in Riyadh on October 12th. It was a fight for the ages, with both men giving it their all. Then came the decision, and Beterbiev won by majority decision. The scorecards read 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112 in Beterbiev’s favor. Boxing fans worldwide cried foul, claiming Bivol was robbed.
But here is where Bivol is different than everyone else. The Kyrgystan-born boxer isn’t making any excuses or jumping on the “I was robbed” bandwagon. Instead, he is facing this defeat like a true professional and is staying grounded. In his post-fight interview, he refused to make excuses for his loss.
“Boxing is not about only clean punches. It’s about how you impress judges, and you need to count sometimes rounds, not punches. I feel shame if I try to explain why I didn’t win the fight. I didn’t win, and that’s it.”
🗣️ “I don’t like excuses… I didn’t win and that’s it” – A gracious Dmitry Bivol talks at the post-fight presser. Now live on our YT.#BeterbievBivol #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/PepfFlFT70
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) October 12, 2024
Dmitry Bivol still wants a rematch. He felt disappointed in his own performance and would like to have a chance at redemption. Ironically, his opponent, Artur Beterbiev, also felt that he did not perform up to his standard. Maybe they both will learn from this experience and provide fans with a banger rematch in the near future!
