Artur Beterbiev showed annoyance when Dmitry Bivol’s promoter commented that he disagreed with the decision of their previous fight.

Artur Beterbiev has expressed frustration with Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Dmitry Bivol, over his continued disagreement with the decision of their previous fight. The bout, held on October 12, saw Beterbiev emerge victorious in a majority decision that consolidated his status as the unified light heavyweight champion. However, Hearn’s persistent criticism has not gone unnoticed by the undefeated fighter.

Hearn’s Reaction to Bivol’s Loss

Eddie Hearn, known for his outspoken nature, has repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction with the outcome of Beterbiev vs. Bivol. Following the fight, Hearn’s comments suggested that Bivol deserved to win, adding fuel to the debate over the judges’ decision. Despite these claims, Beterbiev’s performance in the latter rounds left little doubt about his dominance.

Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) has dismissed Hearn’s criticism, stating, “Eddie Hearn never agrees with anything. There’s always something.” This ongoing tension has drawn attention to the rivalry not only between the fighters but also their camps.

The First Fight: A Tale of Two Halves

In their first meeting, Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) started strong, impressing fans and analysts with his technical precision and control in the opening rounds. However, as the fight progressed, Artur Beterbiev’s relentless aggression took over, with the champion chasing Bivol around the ring in the final six rounds. The judges ultimately scored the fight 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, handing Beterbiev the win via majority decision.

While some fans believe Bivol deserved the victory, the consensus among many boxing enthusiasts is that Beterbiev’s sustained pressure and power punching sealed the deal. Hearn’s comments, however, have muddied the waters, keeping the debate alive and contentious.

The Stakes of the Rematch

The upcoming rematch between Bivol and Beterbiev is scheduled for February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight carries enormous stakes for both fighters. For Bivol, it’s a chance to redeem himself and regain his standing as a top contender in the light heavyweight division. For Beterbiev, it’s an opportunity to solidify his legacy and silence critics like Eddie Hearn.

If Bivol wins, the victory could set up a lucrative showdown with Canelo Alvarez, a prospect that Hearn has been vocal about. On the other hand, a second loss to Beterbiev could spell trouble for Bivol’s career trajectory, leaving him with fewer options for high-profile fights. For Beterbiev, a victory would keep him at the pinnacle of the sport and potentially pave the way for other marquee matchups.

Beterbiev’s Take on Hearn’s Criticism

Despite the noise surrounding the fight, Artur Beterbiev remains focused on his goals. “It was a great fight, and I’m honored to be part of such a big event,” Beterbiev said, reflecting on his experience fighting in Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the quality of the event and praised the organizers for creating a memorable spectacle.

When asked about Hearn’s complaints, Beterbiev responded candidly, pointing out the consistent negativity from Bivol’s promoter. “There’s always something,” he said. However, Beterbiev emphasized his respect for the fans and the sport, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his skills on such a grand stage.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol continues to captivate boxing fans worldwide. With Eddie Hearn adding fuel to the fire through his persistent criticism, the rematch promises to be even more intense. As February 22 approaches, both fighters have much to prove, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.