What's happened
Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol by majority decision in Riyadh, unifying the light-heavyweight titles. The fight showcased a back-and-forth battle, with Beterbiev winning on two judges' cards while one scored it a draw. This marks Bivol's first professional loss, ending his unbeaten streak.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Beterbiev's victory was marked by a surprising scorecard of 116-112, which many found too wide given the fight's competitive nature. Promoter Eddie Hearn criticized the judging, stating, 'In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds? It’s disgusting.' Meanwhile, The Guardian noted the fight's close rounds and Bivol's commendable performance despite the loss, with Bivol himself acknowledging Beterbiev's deserving win. This contrast highlights the ongoing debate about judging standards in boxing.
How we got here
The highly anticipated bout was delayed due to Beterbiev's knee injury. Both fighters entered the ring with impressive records, Beterbiev at 21-0 and Bivol at 23-0, making this clash significant in the boxing world.
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