Turki Alalshikh Seeks Beterbiev-Bivol Trilogy
Turki Alalshikh, the prominent boxing promoter, has once again expressed his desire for a trilogy fight between light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Following Beterbiev’s 12-round majority decision defeat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the promoter made his intentions clear on The Stomping Ground. Despite the controversial outcome, Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) has already voiced his willingness to step into the ring for a third time. The scores from the judges were 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, all in favor of Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs). Alalshikh’s enthusiasm for making the trilogy fight is evident, and he remains hopeful that Beterbiev will agree to another bout.
Beterbiev’s Unhappy Response
Beterbiev was visibly frustrated and unhappy with the result of his rematch. Many fans and analysts, including this writer, felt that he had done enough to secure a win. In fact, after watching the fight twice, I scored it 7-5 for Beterbiev on the first viewing and 8-4 on the second. Bivol’s strategy of running around the ring, avoiding engagement, and clinching repeatedly did little to make the fight exciting. The bout was described by many as incredibly boring, and Beterbiev’s performance, despite being overshadowed by the judges’ decisions, was commendable. The way Bivol conducted himself in the ring was a stark contrast to the thrilling, action-packed fights that fans crave.
The Case for Beterbiev vs. Benavidez
While Turki Alalshikh and Beterbiev are keen on a trilogy fight, there is a growing sentiment among fans and social media users that a different opponent would be more suitable. The name that keeps coming up is David Benavidez, an up-and-coming star with a penchant for exciting fights. The idea of pitting Beterbiev against Benavidez for the four titles is gaining traction, and many believe it would be far more entertaining than another Bivol bout. Bivol’s fighting style, characterized by his constant movement and reluctance to engage, has been widely criticized as a "cup of poison" for fans. For the sake of the sport, many argue that such fighters should be relegated to preliminary cards, where their tactics are less likely to bore the audience. The ultimate goal of boxing should be to entertain, and a Beterbiev-Benavidez matchup fits this criterion much better.
Bivol’s Reluctance and Respect
Dmitry Bivol, despite his victory, showed a level of respect and maturity post-fight. He approached Beterbiev in the ring to shake his hand and express his admiration for the opponent. However, Beterbiev, still stinging from the loss, declined to shake Bivol’s hand, stating that he would only do so after a third fight. Bivol, when asked about this, brushed it off, saying, “Of course, we’re not 16. We’re almost 40 years old, and I’m not shaking hands with my opponent is kind of weird, but if he’s like this, no problem.” He also congratulated Beterbiev on his performance and expressed a willingness to improve in a potential third matchup. Bivol’s demeanor, while professional, highlighted the emotional toll that such high-stakes bouts can take on fighters.
The Future of Boxing: Fan Entertainment
In the current landscape of boxing, the significance of titles has diminished. What matters most now is the ability to engage and entertain the fans. Promoters like Turki Alalshikh have a crucial role in shaping the sport’s future by ensuring that main card bouts are thrilling and dynamic. Fighters known for their non-engaging styles, such as Bivol and Shakur Stevenson, should be moved to preliminary cards to preserve the excitement of the main events. The objective here is to keep casual fans, who may only tune in occasionally, interested and invested in the sport. A Beterbiev-Benavidez fight, with its potential for high-octane action, would undoubtedly serve this purpose better.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Fan Appeal
The boxing world is at a crossroads, where traditional rivalries and title fights must be balanced with the need to attract and retain fans. Turki Alalshikh’s ambition to stage a Beterbiev-Bivol trilogy is understandable, given the historical significance of such matchups. However, the fans’ preference for a Beterbiev-Benavidez showdown cannot be ignored. As the sport continues to evolve, promoters and fighters alike must consider what will keep the audience engaged and excited. While Bivol’s style may have its merits, it is clear that fans want to see more action and less running. The decision to move forward with a trilogy or a new opponent will have significant implications for the future of light heavyweight boxing.
