Expert boxing analyst explains why Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol as controversial result takes the sport by storm
Artur Beterbiev extended his unbeaten record to 21-0 after defeating Dmitry Bivol via unanimous decision on Oct. 12 for the undisputed light heavyweight world titles. But the result has caused controversy as many felt that Bivol deserved to have his hand raised.
Bivol, who entered the fight at 23-0, was gracious in defeat. He provided no excuses for the result, nor did he complain about the judges' scorecards whilst those around him did.
Many felt that the 33-year-old was cheated out of his chance at history by becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion. But expert boxing analyst, Teddy Atlas, shared why he believed the correct decision was made by the judges.
Atlas was interviewed by Fight Hub TV following the event, where he said:
"A close fight, a lot of close rounds. I can see why they're conflicted. I'm not gonna judge anyone... I had it 115-113 Beterbiev, because I thought he won the championship rounds. I thought it was a really, really tight close fight."
He continued:
"A fight like this comes down to geography. Who gets the geography, to own the geography, the place in the ring, that suits their talents [and] their strengths better than the other guy... I thought Beterbiev did... He got Bivol to fight his fight."
Watch Teddy Atlas analyze Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol below (0:00):
Eddie Hearn slams judges for awarding win to Artur Beterbiev over Dmitry Bivol
Dmitry Bivol tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career after Artur Beterbiev secured a historic unanimous decision win in Saudi Arabia to become the undisputed light heayweight champion.
The clash was arguably the biggest boxing fight of 2024. Given the level of attention garnered by the event, the controversial result has caused a stir among fans, promoters and pundits.
Bivol's promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently took aim at the judges for their scoring of the bout. During the post-fight press conference, Hearn said:
"I don't want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev and his team because they're just incredible fighters. But I find it sickening that after a lifetime of hard work, Dmitry Bivol is not the undisputed champion tonight. He won that fight, I struggled to find anybody on our row, the row behind, the TV rows who didn't score the fight for Dmitry Bivol. To find a judge who gave that fight 116-112, and give Dmitry four rounds in that fight, this judge should never work in the sport again."
Watch Eddie Hearn's interview below (0:25):