Dmitry Bivol appeals to demand immediate rematch with Artur Beterbiev

Dmitry Bivol’s team have filed an appeal with all the four sanctioning bodies to enforce an immediate rematch with Artur Beterbiev. 

Bivol lost a controversial majority decision as Beterbiev became the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion: 114-114, 115-113, 116-112. The 116-112 scorecard, which had Bivol only winning four rounds, came under much criticism. Ex-world champions such as Carl Froch, Shawn Porter and Paulie Malignaggi had Bivol winning the fight.

There was a perception from some that Beterbiev had only done enough to secure a draw at the most. However, other analysts such as Teddy Atlas scored it 115-113 in favor of Beterbiev, showing just how close the fight was. Eddie Hearn was very critical of the scorecards, calling them disgusting. That has set up the narrative for a rematch with Bivol’s team, who have filed an appeal to make it happen next. 

Bivol Appeals

“Told that Dmitry Bivol’s team has filed a protest with all four sanctioning bodies seeking an immediate rematch with Artur Beterbiev. The basis for appeal is the belief that the majority of viewers had Bivol winning. Complaint draws parallels to Lewis-Holyfield I,” Jake Donovan said 

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds in that fight? It’s absolutely disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round say ‘you have to knock him out to win this fight’. They stood, backed up to their corner – they knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. Top Rank [Bivol’s promoters] knew Artur Beterbiev lost this fight. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted by a scorecard of 116-112. That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn said 

Will It Happen?

The fighters are keen on running things back, while the Saudis want the same. The rematch is significant for the following reasons. A win for Bivol will justify the claims that he did win the first fight and set up the narrative for a trilogy, making it one of the best rivalries in recent memory. However, another defeat for Bivol will solidify the claim that he is not the best light heavyweight of this era.

Beterbiev could then turn his attention towards other opponents. Canelo Alvarez had indicated that he wanted to fight Bivol if he had beaten Beterbiev for undisputed. He faced off against Bivol in 2022 as the Mexican lost a one-sided unanimous decision. Alvarez claimed that he had a hand issue in the fight. He wanted to run things back at the same weight class. However, talks broke down after Bivol wanted to fight 168 pounds for Canelo’s then-undisputed title.

Meanwhile, Beterbiev has the opportunity to face David Benavidez. Benavidez is the WBC Interim Light Heavyweight Champion. He is expected to fight David Morrell Jr. next, who is the WBA Interim Champ. The Mexican Monster is seen as a favorite in that fight. And if he comes through, it would set up another undisputed showdown. And given how controversial the Beterbiev-Bivol fight was, a rematch could be close again.