Thompson’s Take on Bivol’s "Fake Victory"
Lonnie B. Thompson, a respected boxing analyst, has come out strongly against the judges’ decision to award Dmitry Bivol a split-decision win over Artur Beterbiev in their recent light heavyweight bout in Riyadh. Thompson views Bivol’s victory as a “fake victory,” questioning the integrity of the judges’ scoring. He believes that the judges gave Bivol the win “out of sympathy” for making it to the finish line, despite Beterbiev being the more dominant and aggressive fighter throughout the match. Beterbiev, known for his aggressive style and relentless pursuit, continuously chased Bivol, who often resorted to defensive tactics such as running and holding. Thompson’s frustration is palpable as he feels the judges’ decision undermines the effort and skill displayed by Beterbiev.
Ageism in Boxing Judging
Thompson also raises the issue of ageism, suggesting that Beterbiev’s loss could be attributed to his age. At 40, Beterbiev is considered an older fighter in the sport, while Bivol, at 31, has more years left in his career. Thompson believes that the judges may have been influenced by this age difference, favoring the younger and more “American” style of Bivol. This perception of ageism adds a layer of complexity to the debate surrounding the fight, as it brings into question the fairness and objectivity of the judging process. Many fans and observers share Thompson’s view that Beterbiev should have been given the decision based on his more active and aggressive performance.
Judge’s Scores and Public Reaction
The judge’s scores for the bout were as follows: 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114. Despite these close scores, many fans and analysts, including Thompson, feel that the decision should have gone to Beterbiev. Thompson scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Beterbiev, noting that Beterbiev was the one pushing the pace and pursuing Bivol, who often retreated and held. Thompson’s detailed breakdown of the rounds highlights his belief that Beterbiev was the clear winner in most of the middle rounds, with Bivol only showing significant improvement in the later rounds. This public reaction underscores the controversial nature of the decision and the divides it has created among boxing enthusiasts.
The Role of Promoters and Fights Ahead
Promoter Eddie Hearn and many fans have been advocating for a trilogy match between Beterbiev and Bivol, given the contentious nature of their previous two bouts. Hearn has been vocal about his belief that Bivol should have won the first fight, and this recent decision might bring some closure to the debate. However, Thompson argues that a trilogy match might not be in Beterbiev’s best interest due to Bivol’s defensive and survival-focused style. Thompson suggests that Beterbiev should instead look to more action-packed matchups, such as a bout with David Benavidez. A fight between Beterbiev and Benavidez would likely be more exciting and crowd-pleasing, aligning with what most fans prefer to see in a boxing match.
Beterbiev’s Future Opponents
Thompson emphasizes that Beterbiev’s next opponent should be someone who can truly test his skills and provide a compelling fight. While Bivol’s style is effective for survival, it does not showcase Beterbiev’s capabilities as well as he has demonstrated against other opponents. Thompson believes that a match with Benavidez would be a "firecracker," filled with action and drama. Benavidez, known for his aggressive and exciting fighting style, would provide a stark contrast to Bivol’s defensive tactics. This potential matchup could reignite Beterbiev’s career and offer fans the kind of high-energy contest they crave.
Conclusion
In the world of boxing, where decisions and judgments are often scrutinized, the recent bout between Beterbiev and Bivol has reignited debates about ageism, fairness, and the nature of the sport. Lonnie B. Thompson’s strong stance on Bivol’s “fake victory” adds a critical voice to these discussions, challenging the status quo and advocating for more objective and fair judging. While the decision may have been made, the conversation it has sparked will continue to shape the future of the light heavyweight division and the broader landscape of professional boxing.
