The world of boxing has been stirred by the recent bout between undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and former WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev, boasting an impeccable record of 21 wins and 20 knockouts, achieved a majority decision victory over Bivol on October 12th. However, the nature of this fight has left many fans contemplating whether a rematch is warranted. The bout was characterized more by Bivol’s defensive strategy than by an exchange of powerful punches, leading to a clash that resembled “a cat chasing a mouse.” While Beterbiev applied constant pressure, Bivol’s avoidance tactics created a lackluster viewing experience.
Boxing is, at its core, about engagement and the thrill of competition. Fans tune in for the excitement, adrenaline, and the unpredictable nature of bouts. Bivol’s approach—akin to that of Shakur Stevenson—focused heavily on defense, strategically evading Beterbiev’s advances rather than engaging in a meaningful fight. Many boxing enthusiasts believe that such tactics undermine the sport’s fundamental essence. Bivol’s style detracted from the fight‘s excitement, generating dissatisfaction among viewers who anticipated a high-stakes showdown. Therefore, the question arises: should a boxer who prioritizes survival over competition merit an immediate title rematch?
Conventional boxing wisdom suggests that fighters must rebound from defeat through a sequence of legitimate challenges before being granted a chance at the title again. In this sense, Bivol appears to be an outlier. His performance, criticized as being more about evasion than competition, raises the stakes for his next career move. Rather than seeking an immediate rematch with Beterbiev, Bivol could benefit from fighting contenders like Joshua Buatsi to re-establish his credentials and prove that he’s capable of engaging in a more thrilling match. This would not only serve justice to the excitement that fans seek but also allow Bivol to refine his approach in the ring.
Beterbiev expressed curiosity on social media regarding the need for a rematch, indicating that he might prefer facing a more aggressive opponent. With promising fighters like David Benavidez and David Morrell poised for a fight, he could find himself amidst more exhilarating matchups than another round with a calculated Bivol. The light heavyweight division is ripe for fresh encounters, and Beterbiev’s preference for an entertaining bout should be paramount—viewers don’t want to witness a repeat of the dull Bivol fight.
In essence, the boxing community appears disinclined to welcome a rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, particularly given the previous bout’s lack of excitement. Bivol’s safety-first approach underscored by his performance has buried his immediate prospects. Ultimately, pursuing more engaging opponents who provide a true boxing challenge should take priority over granting a rematch to a defensive fighter. Bivol’s journey back to the top must involve steadfast effort, and a rematch should not be on the table until he proves he can bring the excitement that the boxing world craves.
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