Artur Beterbiev secured a hard-fought victory over Dmitry Bivol in Riyadh, but he was unusually candid about his dissatisfaction with his performance. Despite winning on the scorecards (115-113, 116-112, and a draw at 114-114), Beterbiev admitted, “I wanted more quality… I didn’t like this fight. But I’ll be better one day.” He praised Bivol’s skill, even saying, “Dmitry is a world champion too. He has good skills, better than me, but today Allah chose me.”
Known for his stoic demeanor, Beterbiev surprised fans by openly expressing his disappointment. Throughout the 12-round contest, Beterbiev struggled to dominate, with Bivol using effective movement and sharp jabs to disrupt his rhythm. The reigning light-heavyweight champion was often seen chasing Bivol, unable to land his signature power punches effectively. It was a rare sight to see Beterbiev pushed to this extent, highlighting the formidable skills of his opponent.
The battle inside the ring and Beterbiev’s honest reflections
The fight was closely contested, with Bivol appearing to outmaneuver Beterbiev in several rounds. However, the Russian champion managed to turn up the pressure in the later rounds, enough to sway two of the three judges. Despite the victory, Beterbiev’s remarks hinted at a deeper acknowledgment of his vulnerabilities. “I was not delivering one punch,” he said, revealing his own frustration over failing to execute his typical aggressive style.
This introspection is unusual for Beterbiev, but it underscores the respect he has for Bivol’s abilities. His openness could be seen as a rare, honest assessment of a champion who expects nothing less than perfection from himself. Beterbiev may have secured the win, but it’s clear that the battle with Bivol has left him with much to contemplate as he looks ahead to future challenges in the light-heavyweight division.
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