Artur Beterbiev’s victory over Dmitry Bivol was shut. In truth, it was wafer-thin and will have gone both manner. And sure, 116-112 was too large, however a theft it wasn’t.
Promoter Eddie Hearn did the interview rounds within the aftermath, claiming it was a steal and that almost all for Beterbiev was one of many worst selections ever. That’s comprehensible from Hearn after yet one more of his stars took a loss.
Nonetheless, that simply wasn’t the story of the battle. Not solely do the Beterbiev vs Bivol punch stats assist that reality, however the proof was there for all to see.
The WBN Dwell Scorecard, accessible on-site for viewers to comply with, confirmed a draw. However both champion taking a detailed cut up or majority isn’t a theft to anybody.
Hearn’s rant, which appears to be an everyday prevalence these days, painted a really completely different image.
“I don’t wish to disrespect Artur Beterbiev. They’re two of the best fighters of our era,” Hearn informed TNT Sports activities. “However you noticed the physique language; they had been within the nook and knew they’d misplaced the battle! 116-112! They gave Dmitry Bivol 4 rounds! This can be a joke!
“I struggled to search out anyone on our row, the row behind, the TV rows, who didn’t rating the battle to Dmitry Bivol. To discover a choose who gave it 116-112 and gave Dmitry Bivol 4 rounds in that battle, this choose ought to by no means work on this sport once more. I’m sorry.
“It was a 7-5 or 8-4 battle to Dmitry Bivol! He was cruising however gave up a number of rounds ultimately. They knew they had been telling him [Beterbiev]: ‘It’s important to knock him out to win the battle.’ He [Bivol] was robbed of the undisputed championship tonight!”
On the post-fight media gathering, Hearn continued, “They’re each unimaginable fighters, however I discover it sickening that, after a lifetime of onerous work, Dmitry Bivol isn’t undisputed champion tonight.
“All the pieces you’re going to get out of Dmitry shall be, ‘I can do higher; it’s boxing, I take the choose’s scorecard,’ however I don’t purchase it since you don’t deserve that after that efficiency. It was an absolute boxing masterclass.
“It was the right efficiency. what? He could be higher, however that was a present of pure focus, with ability, protection, and offense thrown in.”
The Jabbr AI Stats had been sympathetic to Hearn – to an extent. Nonetheless, they solely served to point out how shut a contest Beterbiev vs Bivol was. A rematch is undoubtedly wanted.
“Each had been even on the general connects. Beterbiev was the aggressor all through the battle, however Bivol landed the cleaner pictures,” mentioned Jabbr.
Jabbr AI Stats:
Artur Beterbiev v. Dmitrii Bivol
Massive controversy as Beterbiev takes the win by MD.
Each had been even on the general connects, Beterbiev was the aggressor all through the battle, however Bivol landed the cleaner pictures.
Do you assume Beterbiev did sufficient to earn the… pic.twitter.com/Vnnp3kVRg7
— Jabbr (@jabbr_ai) October 12, 2024
“Bivol landed two occasions extra high-impact punches. Beterbiev threw much more and was the aggressor – a conflict of types. Instances to be made on each side,” they added.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.