HOW I SCORED THE FIGHT: BETERBIEV VS. BIVOL!

First, let me clarify that this fight was by no means a robbery, despite what some may suggest. Whether you had Dmitry Bivol winning by a point or two or leaned towards Artur Beterbiev, both perspectives are justifiable. What cannot be defended, however, is the judge who delivered an inexplicable 116-112 scorecard.

Bivol’s team may feel aggrieved by the result, as often happens in close contests, but the fighter himself will make no excuses, instead focusing on improving for the future. Beterbiev, on the other hand, did not appear to bask in the glow of his victory. In fact, he expressed dissatisfaction with his own performance, despite securing the win—an attitude that underscores his demanding standards.

Personally, I scored the fight in favor of Beterbiev, appreciating his forward pressure and the power of his shots throughout.

Bivol took control early on making it seem like the fight might not be as close as first expected. Bivol’s movement was fluid, and his quick jab consistently forced Beterbiev to reset. His accuracy and combination work impressed not only the audience but also the commentary team, who were quick to praise him.

However, Beterbiev remained composed, cutting off the ring and continuously making Bivol work hard to evade him. The middle rounds were where Beterbiev began to make significant progress, employing a focused body attack to slow down Bivol’s movement. As the rounds progressed, the gap between them narrowed on many scorecards, including mine.

Bivol still showcased superior speed and . accuracy, delivering his punches with whip-like precision, but Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and mental fortitude proved key. He absorbed shots that would have rattled a lesser fighter, pressing forward undeterred.

As the fight drew to a close, it seemed many—including perhaps Beterbiev’s own corner—felt he needed a knock. out. When asked about this afterward, Beterbiev responded calmly, “They always say that. I was more focused but not more aggressive. It’s my experience, and I am happy. I am a very simple boxer.” He finished the fight as the stronger of the two, while Bivol appeared visibly exhausted from his efforts.

In hindsight, the majority decision was a fair one, although the wide scorecard from the Polish judge is difficult to defend.

Promoter Eddie Hearn might argue the fight was a robbery, claiming many on media row had Bivol as the winner. While they are entitled to that opinion, it ultimately carries no weight if the official result disagrees.

As stated previous I scored the fight in favor of Beterbiev by two points. For the past couple of days, I’ve been inundated with reasons why some think I am wrong. This is what makes boxing both captivating and frustrating—it’s subjective by nature. Regardless, I’m pleased the fight lived up to its hype, and a rematch promises to be just as thrilling.