Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh unhappy with Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol outcome, vows to do rematch: "I don't think the result is fair"
Artur Beterbiev's controversial win over Dmitry Bivol in their undisputed clash has left a sour taste in the mouths of many, including Saudi Arabian Minister Turki Alalshikh.
In a thrilling match earlier today at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Beterbiev emerged victorious over Bivol, securing the undisputed light heavyweight title via majority decision. The Russian-born Canadian solidified his dominance in the division, ending his opponent's undefeated status.
However, many in the boxing community felt that Bivol was unfairly denied a victory in the closely contested contest. Fight fans particularly took issue with the controversial 116-112 scorecard in Beterbiev's favor.
Alalshikh, for one, had Bivol winning the fight and believes the boxer won multiple rounds more than his opponent. Speaking to The Stomping Ground following the event, Alalshikh confirmed that he'd try to set up a rematch:
"I don't think the result is fair, in my opinion... [Both] fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I don't know why the result [is] like this, but in my opinion, I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. They deserve it, they deserve it. If they accept, we will do it."
Check out Turki Alalshikh's comments below:
Bivol, too, is itching to run it back with the newly crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion. During the post-fight press conference, he claimed that the significant fan interest behind it makes the fight a must-have.
The 33-year-old's promoter Eddie Hearn is also all in for the idea of a rematch. During the presser, he said:
"There has to be a rematch because Artur Beterbiev - there is always going to be the controversy of that fight and he is a true champion. What other fight is there for Artur Beterbiev? The whole world wants to see that again."
Check out Dmitry Bivol and Eddie Hearn's comments below:
Following the contest, social media has been buzzing with calls for an immediate rematch. With Alalshikh's ability to bring together high-profile fights, a rematch between the two might indeed be on the horizon.