The rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, held at The Venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has reignited the debate over judges’ bias in boxing. Many observers, including fighters like Anthony Yarde, felt that Beterbiev was denied a rightful victory in a contest that was characterized by its tight competition and contrasting styles. This high-stakes matchup not only showcased the skills of both fighters but also highlighted the inherent issues with boxing scoring and officiating.
Despite the official outcome favoring Bivol by a 12-round majority decision, the fight itself illustrated the nuances of competitive boxing. Yarde, who seemed keenly aware of the ebb and flow of the match, suggested that the fight was either a draw or a narrow victory for Beterbiev. This perspective underscores how subjective boxing scoring can be, dependent not only on the fighters’ performances but also on the atmosphere in the arena and the biases of the judges.
The judges’ final tallies of 115-113, 116-112, and a surprising 114-114 draw drew criticism, particularly the lopsided 8-4 score in Bivol’s favor from one judge. This score was widely considered inflated given the nature of the bout, which many felt was closely contested.
Yarde noted the strong pro-Bivol sentiment that permeated the venue, suggesting that such an environment could easily sway the judges’ opinions. An engaged and vocal crowd often affects how judges perceive the action, making it an essential factor in assessing the overall fairness of the competition. Moreover, the commentary team from DAZN appeared to favor Bivol throughout the bout, further adding to the feeling that the fight’s outcome was somewhat predetermined. Yarde’s own viewing experience, which was unfiltered by television commentary, lent him a unique viewpoint on the match.
As Yarde analyzed the performances, he stated that Bivol’s approach—dubbed by some as “running”—was lackluster compared to Beterbiev’s more aggressive style. The contrast in strategy often left viewers feeling that Beterbiev was more engaged and effective, having scored in key rounds. Yarde’s comments regarding the specific rounds Beterbiev seemingly controlled (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 12) indicate a significant discrepancy between the perceived dynamics of the fight versus the judges’ interpretations.
The aftermath of the Beterbiev-Bivol rematch serves as a reminder of the critical challenges facing professional boxing today. Issues surrounding the integrity of judging, the role of crowd bias, and the subjectivity of fight analysis all come to the forefront. While Bivol’s victory stands on paper, the ongoing discourse around the quality of the judging in this match could lead to a re-evaluation of how such contests are officiated, ultimately impacting future bouts in the sport. As boxing enthusiasts continue to dissect this rematch, it’s evident that the fight was more than mere entertainment; it was a reflection of a sport grappling with its standards and practices.
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