Artur Beterbiev beat Dmitry Bivol to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in decades. The judges scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, giving Beterbiev a majority decision win.
The close nature of the fight sparked debate among fans and experts. Bivol's promoter, Eddie Hearn, even called it a "robbery." But Hall of Fame fighter turned analyst Tim Bradley disagrees.
Bradley initially liked Bivol's work during the fight. However, after rewatching it without sound, he scored it 8 rounds to 4 in favor of Beterbiev. This matches the 116-112 scorecard by Polish judge Pawel Kardyni.
"Let's put it this way, this wasn't a highway robbery, people. I just want to let you know that right now. After watching the fight, even calling the fight, I had to pick a side. I was like, man, I like Bivol's work, but I have to say, after the fight I went back and watched it again, no sound, none of that, and I scored it for Beterbiev. Two rounds over him."
Bradley praised the judges' work, noting that across 36 rounds judged, there was only a two-round difference between their scores. He pointed out that while round 4 was hard to give to Beterbiev, it wouldn't have changed the final decision.
"All of these judges did a great job. A damn good job."
The fight showcased Beterbiev's aggression against Bivol's movement and fast hands. Bradley highlighted the championship rounds as key to the outcome. Bivol lost the last three rounds, which proved crucial.
"You cannot win a championship fight losing the last three rounds."
In the 12th round, Beterbiev put on the pressure, and Bivol wasn't answering and counterpunching often enough.
Given the controversy, a rematch is likely. Bradley expects it to happen in 2025.
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"Look, it was a controversy. Simple. Let's have a rematch. That's how you deal with these type of things."
Bradley's full analysis offers more insights into this close and controversial fight. Meanwhile, Bivol and his team are already calling for a rematch, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown in the light-heavyweight division.