- Beterbiev is the undisputed light heavyweight champion after beating Bivol
- He is the first undisputed light heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
- Beterbiev, 39, and Bivol, 33, welcome an immediate rematch.
Eddie Hearn was furious with the judges’ decision to crown Artur Beterbiev the undisputed light heavyweight champion on Saturday night, claiming Dmitry Bivol was “robbed” after his points defeat.
Beterbiev became the first undisputed light heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and the division’s first undisputed champion since Roy Jones Jr in 2002 after defeating Bivol on points.
Beterbiev, who had knocked out all of his opponents before Saturday night, went the distance with one judge scoring it 114-114, while the other two finished 115-113 and 116-12 in favor of Beterbiev.
However, not everyone agreed with the scorecards. Hearn felt the decision was unfair and made his feelings clear after the event, claiming the judges had “stolen” his man.
Hearn said: “I don’t want to disrespect Beterbiev, they are two of the best fighters of our generation, but you saw the body language of their team.” They were in a corner, they knew they had lost the fight. 116-112 to Artur Beterbiev. You gave Bivol four bullets.
The boxing world has erupted in controversy, with several professional fighters taking to social media to claim that Dmitry Bivol was robbed of a decision against Artur Beterbiev.
Beterbiev photographed with the undisputed belt in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night
Eddie Hearn felt his fighter had been robbed of a decision, hitting the judges’ scorecards.
‘This is an absolute joke. It was a seven to five, eight to four fight against Bivol. He was advancing in the fight. He gave up a few rounds at the end of the fight but won. They knew they had lost the fight.
‘They told him in the corner, you have to knock him out to win the fight. I can’t believe it. Tonight they stole the undisputed championship from him. I can’t believe it.’
Hearn went on to add: “I find it disgusting that after a lifetime of hard work, Dmitry Bivol is not the undisputed champion tonight… This judge should never work in this sport again.”
Several high-profile boxers agreed with Hearn and weighed in on the outcome. Ryan Garcia took to social media to write, “Wow, that was a steal in my opinion.” While Anthony Fowler wrote: “For me it’s a draw at best, Bivol didn’t deserve to lose.”
Other wrestlers echoed the sentiment, including Josh Taylor, who wrote, “Thought bivol but it is what it is.” Great fight, boxing needs more of this.’ Frank Warren added: ‘What a fight between two high level operators in their prime, I had Bivol personally!’
Meanwhile, Tony Bellew wrote: ‘Got Bivol winning! The last round was very close again, but I feel like Bivol landed the best shots all night. Great combinations, great fight. Beterbiev was exceptional! He’s almost 40 years old and is finishing fights just as strong as he was when he was 20! Congratulations to both warriors.
He went on to express his frustration over the scorecards, stating: “Great fight and to be honest it could have gone either way… 116-112 is a shame though! Neither fighter won that fight by 4 rounds… this is the part that bothers me. Congratulations for Artur Beterbiev, he really is a fighter.’
However, Bivol made no excuses, saying, “I don’t have any explanation because they might look like excuses.” I just want to congratulate Artur and his team, he deserves it. No problem. I did my job, I always feel like it could be better, it’s just the judges’ opinions. Congratulations Artur.’
