The recent rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol has sparked intense debate among boxing fans and analysts alike. Fought at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the bout concluded with a majority decision victory for Bivol, a result that has been widely criticized. Among those questioning the verdict was Anthony Yarde, who closely observed the match and expressed skepticism about the judges’ scores. Yarde felt that Beterbiev, an experienced fighter known for his knockout power, either won the fight or that it should have ended in a draw.
The judges ultimately scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114 in favor of Bivol, which enraged many spectators who witnessed a seemingly closely contested match. The 8-4 score from the American judge raised eyebrows for being disproportionate given that many believed it could have gone either way. Beterbiev, who now holds a professional record of 21 wins and 1 loss, demonstrated his capabilities throughout the fight, leading some to join Yarde in calling the decision into question.
Interestingly, Yarde pointed out the palpable pro-Bivol atmosphere in the arena, which may have unduly influenced the judges’ decisions. In combat sports, crowd dynamics can sometimes sway officials, and in this case, the overwhelming support for Bivol likely played a role. The commentary team, particularly the DAZN broadcasters, seemed to echo this bias, leaning heavily towards Bivol’s corner. This lack of objectivity bolstered the narrative of Bivol’s superiority, which, in Yarde’s perspective, colored the judges’ outlook.
Despite the controversies surrounding the scoring, Yarde acknowledged that both fighters displayed high-level boxing skills. His observations of Bivol’s tactics—a combination of movement and clinching—paint a picture of a fighter more focused on evasion than engagement. Yarde described it as a “boring” fight relative to the more action-packed bouts earlier in the program. Beterbiev’s more aggressive style led him to dominate several key rounds, notably rounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12, which many observers believed should have been enough for a more favorable outcome on the scorecards.
The aftermath of this rematch introduces a critical conversation about the standards of judging in boxing, a sport often riddled with controversy. This era has seen growing discontent among fans due to perceived biases and inconsistencies in scoring. As discussions around Yarde’s comments circulate, they encourage not just reflection on this specific fight but also on how boxing governance might address these biases in future events. As announced results spark debate, they remind fans and athletes alike of the unpredictability embedded in the sport. Ultimately, whether Beterbiev or Bivol deserved the victory, there’s a unanimous call for more transparency and fairness in judging that can restore the integrity of the sport.
Leave a Reply