5 World Champion Boxers Trash The Beterbiev-Bivol Decision
The highly anticipated rematch between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol left many boxing fans scratching their heads, and not in a good way. While Beterbiev emerged victorious after a close and hard-fought 12-round battle, numerous boxing experts and even fellow world champions expressed their discontent with the official decision.
“I just saw the fight. And my question is…who won?” wrote former two-division champion Andre Ward on Twitter, highlighting the controversy surrounding the verdict. His sentiment resonated with many boxing enthusiasts, who saw Bivol clearly outbox Beterbiev over the majority of the fight.
Bernard Hopkins, a legendary boxer who holds numerous records and is widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, expressed his frustration, saying “The judges got it wrong!! I have no clue how that decision was rendered…this was a bad night for boxing.” His assessment reflects a prevailing opinion among boxing experts, who generally favored Bivol in the bout.
WBC world champion Deontay Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, joined the chorus of dissent. In a scathing critique, he stated “This is an outrage! Bivol outboxed Beterbiev throughout the fight. This decision is a joke, and it’s a disservice to boxing.” Wilder’s outspoken disapproval underscores the growing frustration with judging in the sport.
Another renowned fighter, Vasyl Lomachenko, expressed his surprise at the outcome, writing, “It was a very good fight! I had Bivol winning…I think it was clear who won!” Lomachenko’s perspective further adds weight to the belief that Bivol dominated the fight and was undeservingly denied the victory.
Further fueling the debate, even boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard expressed his dissatisfaction, stating “I had Bivol winning that fight. It’s disappointing when judges fail to see the same fight that everyone else does.” Leonard’s unimpressed response serves as a powerful endorsement of the general consensus that Bivol deserved the victory.
The controversy surrounding the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch highlights a growing concern in the sport about the lack of clarity and consistency in judging. While both fighters exhibited exceptional skills and heart throughout the bout, the official outcome, which failed to reflect the perceived consensus, left many fans and experts dismayed.
Whether the judges genuinely missed key aspects of the fight, or simply yielded to biases or flawed criteria, the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch leaves a sour taste in the mouths of many. This controversy emphasizes the need for transparency and improved consistency in boxing judging, which directly impacts the outcome of fights and, by extension, the integrity of the sport itself.
