On October 12, Dmitry Bivol faced a hard-fought battle against Artur Beterbiev at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, resulting in a majority decision loss that has since stirred considerable debate within boxing circles. Bivol’s team has since lodged a protest with four governing bodies, seeking an immediate rematch based on claims that a sizable portion of the audience felt Bivol emerged as the legitimate victor. This claim, however, raises several questions regarding its validity and the motivations behind such assertions.
While it is not uncommon for fighters or their representatives to stir the pot with appeals for rematches following controversial results, Bivol’s assertion lacks a solid foundation. The boxing community is acutely aware that the subjective nature of fight scoring leads to divided opinions among fans and analysts alike. The real difficulty is proving that “most viewers” believed Bivol won; viewer sentiment is largely anecdotal and cannot reliably serve as a basis to overturn judges’ decisions.
Moreover, it invites scrutiny into how such proclamations reflect on the fighter himself. Where Bivol’s team sees an opportunity to champion their fighter’s cause, the protest might instead portray him as unwilling to accept defeat gracefully. The optics of a drawn-out appeal could easily paint Bivol and his entourage as lacking sportsmanship, reminiscent of other fighters who have struggled to cope with losses. The struggle for a rematch could serve to overshadow the accomplishments of Bivol, whose talent and previous performances should stand on their own merits.
It would be remiss to stray too far from the contest itself while deliberating the merits of Bivol’s protest. In retrospect, his strategy relied heavily on movement and evasion during the fight, particularly in the latter half after being stunned in the seventh round. Analysts have noted that Bivol’s evasive tactics may have allowed him to stay on his feet but ultimately hampered his ability to engage meaningfully with Beterbiev.
Beterbiev, renowned for his relentless power and aggressive style, took control after the seventh. Witnesses frequently commented on how Bivol appeared overwhelmed and on the verge of being stopped. The stark shift in momentum coincided with Beterbiev’s ability to cut off the ring and apply unrelenting pressure, prompting questions about Bivol’s fight IQ. Why did he not adjust his strategy or exhibit more aggression as the fight progressed? It’s a fair critique with implications for how he will approach future challenges—should he secure another chance against Beterbiev or other high-profile opponents.
With the possibility of a rematch against Beterbiev looming, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications for both fighters. For Beterbiev (currently holding a record of 19-0 with 19 KOs), a potential rematch with Canelo Alvarez or David Benavidez could be more strategically beneficial from a financial and legacy perspective. Each of those opponents offers unique challenges and significantly heightened public interest compared to a second encounter with Bivol.
If a rematch does take place, the setup would require careful planning, with fight conditions potentially altered to mitigate Bivol’s style of evasion. A smaller ring could restrict Bivol’s movement, leading to a more engaging bout, although such an adjustment could be viewed as advantageous or disadvantageous in the eyes of fans and analysts alike.
As Bivol seeks a return to his former glory, he must reflect on the lessons learned from his most recent outing. Sportsmanship is invaluable in boxing—an understanding that defeats must serve as opportunities for growth. A cautious approach to the protest may allow Bivol to regain credibility, but he must also consider that prevailing narratives will be shaped by his future performances, not merely by protests.
Dmitry Bivol faces a crossroads, not only in seeking professional vengeance against Beterbiev but also in rekindling his image within the boxing community. A rematch could be the stage for redemption, but only if Bivol adapts his strategy and embraces the necessary evolution as a fighter. The world of boxing is always watching, and in this theater, actions speak far louder than words.