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Dmitry Bivol’s team files protest over Artur Beterbiev decision

Written by Héctor Araque on 13th October 2024.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

Dmitry Bivol and his manager, Vadim Kornilov, have decided to file an official protest. This action will be taken following the controversy over the decision in the fight between Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. The bout ended with a unanimous decision victory for Beterbiev.

Bivol’s representative, Vadim Kornilov, has voiced his discontent. Kornilov declared that they will contest the 116-112 scorecard in favor of Beterbiev. In an interview with @BoxNation_TV, Kornilov expressed his frustration, warning about the negative impact of decisions like this on boxing. He also mentioned that one of the supervisors congratulated Top Rank representatives before the decision was announced.

“We’re gonna file a protest on Monday. I think the judge has to at least have some kind of responsibility for what he did. It’s becoming very destructive to the sport what they’re doing. These [sanctioning bodies] have supervisors, the supervisors are friendly with the judges, they’re hugging the promoters, it’s beginning to look like a scheme… One of the supervisors was tapping the Top Rank guys and congratulating them before the decision was [announced]. What is that about? What kind of buddy-buddy relationship do they have there? Where is the professionalism of the sport?” Kornilov said to @BoxNation_TV.

Dmitry Bivol also spoke about the protest.

In his interview, the boxer agreed with Kornilov. Dmitry Bivol pointed out that the lack of accountability could harm the future of boxing.

“Yes, a protest will be filed on Monday. I’m talking to everyone, we’re going to file a protest. I mean, at the end of the day, we all know it doesn’t work, but at least the judge has to have some kind of responsibility in his mind for what he did. Because at the end of the day, maybe at least, because what they are doing is becoming very destructive to the sport. You know there are these organizations, and these organizations have supervisors.”

“These supervisors are all friends with these judges, they’re hugging the promoters, and it’s like a big scheme. This judge has officiated many fights and has been good in others. It would be good if they could sit him down and make him count the landed punches.”

“I want to see where he saw his 116-112 scorecard and how he counted Beterbiev’s landed punches against Bivol, and which ones he counted to reach that card,” Bivol questioned.

Turki Alalshikh, an important figure in boxing, also voiced his opinion, stating that the outcome of the fight against Beterbiev was unfair. Alalshikh noted that Dmitry Bivol clearly had a two-round advantage over Beterbiev. At the same time, he expressed optimism about a possible rematch.

“It was one of the best fights I’ve seen in the last 20 years, but I don’t think the result is fair. I think Bivol won by two rounds. Both fighters are my brothers, but I believe Bivol won two more rounds. I don’t know why the result was like that. I will focus on trying to make the rematch happen. They deserve it. If they accept it, we’ll make it happen,” he stated.

On the other hand, Bivol responded to Turki Alalshikh’s comments about the fight result and a potential rematch against Beterbiev.

“It makes me happy. Now it depends on Beterbiev’s wishes. Does he want this fight or he doesn’t want this fight? Let’s hope,” Bivol affirmed.

The controversy over the decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and experts. Many believe Dmitry Bivol was the rightful winner of the fight. Artur Beterbiev, for his part, expressed satisfaction with his performance. He also showed willingness for a rematch if Alalshikh desires it.

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