BOXING owes a massive debt of gratitude to Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, for giving us a fight in Riyadh last weekend that will live long in the memory.
The pair of them provided a masterclass of attacking and defensive skills that brought nobility to the Noble Art.
They went into battle as unbeaten warriors and the prize to the winner was to be acclaimed the undisputed world light-heavyweight champion.
It was the kind of even match-up that is made in heaven and every fan on the planet had been looking forward to it for months with expert opinion divided as to who would come out on top.
The week-long build-up was extremely low key — it was unmistakable the two Russians had enormous respect for each other and weren’t interested in getting involved in pretending there was a grudge.
It was amusing to see the various TV interviewers desperately trying — but failing miserably — to get Beterbiev and Bivol to trash-talk and bad-mouth each other.
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Very often the anticipation of such a consummate contest ends up being a bitterly disappointing anti-climax — the long-awaited Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao clash nine years ago is a classic example.
But within seconds of the opening bell such fears were knocked out as it became clear this would be extra special.
For 12 rounds the action ebbed and flowed non-stop between two proud, elite fighters calling on all their remarkable resources as they strived for supremacy.
As accurate hooks and jabs landed, Beterbiev and Bivol took their punishment without flinching.
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There was hardly a clinch and I certainly didn’t see a single foul blow throughout the 36 minutes — in fact American referee Thomas Taylor didn’t need to be there as he had absolutely nothing to do.
It wasn’t the kind of brutal fight that had you gasping for breath — hardly a drop of blood was shed and there were no knockdowns.
But it was so tantalisingly close and absorbing and the skill levels were so high. It must have had most people purring.
At the end nobody could be sure whose hand was going to be raised in triumph — there was bound to be controversy whoever got it.
From my armchair view I thought, because of his grandstand finish in the last two rounds, Beterbiev just about earned his majority decision.
But both men gave their fellow pros a lesson in how to conduct themselves in victory and defeat — no histrionics from either.
Inevitably, Eddie Hearn — Bivol’s promoter — screamed his man was robbed as words like ‘disgusting’ and ‘disgraceful’ tripped off his tongue.
Hearn, at that time, didn’t know what Dmitry had said before he left the ring — when his disappointment must have been at its height.
There was no Bivol bellyaching, on the contrary, as he said of the decision: “It’s just the opinion of the judges. I just say congratulations to Artur and his team, he deserves it. No problem.”
How refreshing in this modern, money-mad world that boxing sportsmanship of the highest quality can still prevail.
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Beterbiev is a man of integrity and there’s every hope he will do the honourable thing and give Bivol the rematch he richly deserves.
I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting to see them fight again.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
