Dmitry Bivol’s team expressed frustration with the judges’ scorecards after he lost a majority decision to Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night at Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia, a result that crowned Beterbiev as the undisputed light heavyweight champion.
The judges scored the bout 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112, with two in favor of Beterbiev.
In the post-fight press conference, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs), shared his disappointment. When asked about comments by Top Rank executive Carl Moretti, who said it was a close fight but not a robbery, Hearn responded bluntly.
“I’m not throwing Carl Moretti under a bus, he’s my mate, he knew we won that fight,” Hearn said. “I think he had it seven-five to us. I’m not saying it’s a robbery, but I don’t see how you can give Artur Beterbiev six rounds in that fight. I certainly don’t see how you can give him seven.”
Hearn went on to critique specific rounds, saying Bivol controlled much of the fight, despite Beterbiev finishing some rounds strongly. “Go back and watch the fight. Look at him [Bivol] taking it on the gloves. Always in control.”
The fight left fans and analysts divided, with many calling for a rematch after the 33-year-old Bivol started strong, but the 39-year-old Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) finished rounds powerfully, possibly swaying the judges.
Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, directed his frustration at judge Pawel Kardyni, who scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Beterbiev.
“Pawel Kardyni, after he comes back from Chechnya, should be suspended,” Kornilov said. “That’s my opinion. He’s always done well in previous fights, so whatever happened here, it’s outrageous.”
Kornilov’s reference to Chechnya drew attention, as Beterbiev is originally from the region, though he now trains in Canada. When asked to clarify, Kornilov confirmed that he deliberately mentioned Chechnya due to his frustrations with the judge’s scoring.
“That was the idea,” Kornilov said, clarifying that he was not referring to Kardyni’s home country of Poland.
