One of the most iconic confrontations in the history of Russian boxing continues outside the ring. After losing to Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol’s team is determined to challenge the result of the fight. Thus, Bivol’s representatives sent a letter of appeal to leading boxing organizations.

Dmitry himself, by the way, does not support the idea of ​​protest, but simply insists on revenge.

“Immediate rematch”

On October 12, Bivol suffered the first defeat in his professional career, losing to compatriot Beterbiev. Following an equal fight, two of the three judges gave victory to the native of Khasavyurt, which caused a mixed reaction in the boxing community. Bivol’s team is confident that the decision is unfair, so they insist on immediate revenge. In addition, the boxer’s representatives demand that the WBO, WBC, WBA and IBF check the work of the judge, who gave a score of 116:112 in favor of Beterbiev.

Interestingly, the letter of appeal also contains criticism from journalists and a negative reaction from fans to the outcome of the fight. However, it is unlikely that the public opinion will interest at least one boxing organization.

Dmitry Bivol and Vadim Kornilov / Photo: © Mark Robinson / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

And it’s hard to imagine that it’s even possible to change the outcome of the fight after the fact, so it’s unlikely that Dmitry will again have a “zero” in the defeat column. I don’t even really believe that the judge, who gave only four rounds to Bivol, will suffer at least some punishment. But revenge is a much more likely scenario.

The people demand

However, Beterbiev, for obvious reasons, is not eager to share the ring with Bivol again. The most experienced fighter is already 39 years old, so he will have a much harder time in the re-fight. The risk of defeat is still high, and a possible victory will give Arthur nothing in terms of legacy.

But experts and fans around the world, naturally, will not refuse another high-class fight between two famous boxers. Despite different assessments of the first fight, many sports legends are talking about the need for revenge.

— I would probably give preference to Bivol. That’s what I can say. The judges know better, but revenge is definitely needed,” former world heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin said in an interview with Match TV.

— It was a very meaningful battle of high masters. Each round could be played in a different direction. And the battle could have turned in any direction. I think there should have been a draw, and I think there should be a rematch,” Match TV quoted former absolute world light heavyweight champion Roy Jones as saying.

— If we take it in terms of media, a rematch would be interesting for the organizers. “He is interesting to everyone, including the public,” ex-world heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev told Soviet Sport.

Arthur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol / Photo: © Richard Pelham / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Let’s see if the promoters can persuade Beterbiev to a rematch. It is possible that Arthur will receive an offer that he cannot refuse, in the form of multiply increased prize money. Boxing fans from our country will undoubtedly support this development of events.