In the world of boxing, the dynamics following a match are often as riveting as the fight itself. Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev recently stirred debate on social media, questioning whether a rematch with Dmitry Bivol is warranted. Beterbiev’s clear victory over Bivol—a 12-round majority decision—left fans pondering the implications of a potential second matchup. With Beterbiev’s record standing at 21 wins and 20 knockouts, while Bivol’s sits at 23 wins with only one loss, the momentum heavily favors the champion. However, the nature of their clash has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding Bivol’s cautious fighting style.
Boxing for many fans hinges on excitement and aggression, qualities that Bivol seemed to eschew during their bout. His tactics were reminiscent of Shakur Stevenson—focused on evasion and minimum risk at the expense of engagement. Critics have not shied away from describing the encounter as less than riveting, with Bivol seemingly opting to evade confrontation rather than challenge Beterbiev directly. Ultimately, the consensus appears clear: Bivol’s performance was a snooze-fest, and the fans deserved better.
What complicates the rematch narrative further is the potential trajectory ahead for Bivol. Generally, when a fighter suffers a setback, they are expected to fight their way back into title contention. However, Bivol’s displayed reluctance to engage shifts the conversation. Options like a match against Joshua Buatsi would not only serve as a necessary stepping stone for Bivol but also provide an opportunity for him to regain credibility.
Beterbiev’s inclination to explore a more compelling matchup is well-founded. The looming February 1st bout between David Benavidez and David Morrell offers a captivating alternative. These fighters are known for their entertaining styles, and the prospect of witnessing an all-out brawl makes the idea of facing Bivol again decidedly unappealing. If Beterbiev has any authority in shaping his next fight, it’s prudent for him to bypass Bivol in search of opponents who are ready to exchange blows rather than aimlessly dart around the ring.
In fact, the dissatisfaction felt by fans regarding Bivol’s approach might reignite interest with another challenger—potentially an engaging bout that captures the spirit of boxing without causing viewers to check their watches. After all, boxing is a sport where heart and grit are celebrated, and Bivol’s recent tale has all but delivered the opposite.
Despite narrowly winning on the judges‘ scorecards—115-113, 116-112, and a contentious 114-114—Bivol should not expect a gilded path back toward a title shot now. His previously laid-back tactics have left an unpleasant taste among fans and experts alike. It is time for Bivol to step back, reassess his approach, and, if necessary, endure the grind to earn another chance.
The primary question looms: Should Bivol be granted a rematch? The overwhelming sentiment suggests otherwise. Boxing fans crave not just victories, but compelling narratives and captivating performances. Until Bivol revamps his strategy, he must present a stronger case to return to the spotlight, proving he can deliver the excitement necessary for a championship matchup—and capturing the respect of fans and fighters alike.
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