Boxing

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.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol put on a show that displayed just how good boxing can be at its bestCredit: GettyThey 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.READ MORE IN BOXINGVery 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.Most read in BoxingBeterbiev secured a narrow victory in RiyadhCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThere 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.Puzzled fans say ‘this is so random’ as snooker royalty spotted ringside for Beterbiev vs BivolBut 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.The punch stats didn’t tell the full story of a marvellous showHearn, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESBeterbiev 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.Controversy reigned when the judges’ scorecards were read outDmitry Bivol earned a rematch with his efforts in the ringCredit: Getty More

FURIOUS Frank Warren has slammed accusations Fabio Wardley shattered Frazer Clarke’s face with dodgy gloves.Clarke, 33, needed emergency Saudi Arabian surgery to rewire his smashed jaw following a brutal first round KO defeat in Saturday’s British and Commonwealth heavyweight title rematch.Frank Warren has slammed Ben Shalom’s claims as a ‘disgrace’Credit: PAShalom believes Wardley’s gloves are being investigatedCredit: GettyHis promoter Ben Shalom claims Wardley’s customised 10oz Fly gloves are being investigated after British Boxing Board of Control’s medical chief Neil Scott likened Clarke’s injury to being hit with a BRICK.Shalom said: “A doctor told me there’s no way in hell any boxing glove should be able to inflict that level of damage.“It’s an ongoing process, something we are looking at, to see how these customised gloves are different.”We were warned repeatedly by Frazer’s team about what gloves could be used.”READ MORE BOXING NEWSHowever, Warren, 72, stormed: “Frazer was a gentleman all week and has praised Fabio’s brilliant performance.“The only person who has mentioned any suggestion of impropriety is Ben.“It’s a disgrace Shalom has tried to tarnish Fabio’s win and reputation with such a dangerous suggestion.“The British Boxing Board of Control checks and approves all gloves at the Friday meeting – which is filmed these days – and no issues were raised.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“I will be taking Shalom to the Board for bringing the sport into disrepute with this libellous allegation and questioning the integrity of the Board and everybody involved in the Riyadh show.Warren’s ruthless reply was to comments Shalom had given to the Sportsman Boxing youtube channel, claiming: “There was a lot of talk during the week as to the gloves that were being worn by Fabio Wardley.Frank Warren slams Usyk-Fury II Undercard Criticism Wardley beat Clarke in the first round with a brutal knockoutCredit: Getty“A doctor said to me that there’s no way in hell any boxing glove should be able to have that level of damage.”It’s an ongoing process, but during the week we were warned repeatedly by Frazer’s team about what gloves could be used.”A spokesperson for the BBBofC told SunSport: “There is no investigation. The gloves were approved.” More

TYSON FURY will go into his do-or-die rematch with Oleksandr Usyk with a kill-or-be-killed mentality.The Gypsy King’s dreams of becoming undisputed heavyweight champion were shattered by the slick southpaw in their Riyadh rumble in May, which he lost via split decision.Tyson Fury will rematch Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on December 21Credit: GETTYThe Gypsy King suffered a split decision defeat to the Ukrainian in their first meeting in MayCredit: PAFury, 35, has plans to go into their second Riyadh rumble all guns blazingCredit: GETTYFury, 35, claims his first professional defeat was the result of him “having fun and playing around with the Ukrainian.But he plans to go hell for leather when they renew their rivalry in a second-successive desert dust-up on December 21.He said: “I’m going to roll the dice and it’s going to be you or me… best foot forward and swing away.”I’ve never been afraid to get knocked spark out. I’ve always put it on the line every time.”READ MORE ON USYK VS FURY 2Fury reckons the judges did a disservice to his work early in the fight after seeing Usyk almost take him out in the ninth round.And he’s already predicted they WON’T score the fight in his favour should the fight go the distance again.He continued: “There’s no secret! I’m going in there to knock you out.”Because I don’t think I’m going to get a decision no matter what I do.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I don’t think I’m going to get a boxing decision, so I’m going to have to take it out of the judges’ hands like I did in America that time [against Deontay Wilder].”And I’ve got to get him (Usyk) out of there. Hand on heart, I have to get him out of there to see victory.”Tyson Fury teases trilogy with Oleksandr UsykDespite almost being finished by Usyk – who he once branded a “blown-up middleweight” – Fury insists he has no fear about making their rematch a firefight for the ages.He said: “I needed to get Wilder out of there or he got me out of there and that’s the type of fight it had to be.”It had to be a 50/50 gunsling with the biggest puncher in history or else he’d have chinned me in round nine.”Going into the rematch with Usyk, it’s going to be the same.” More

A HUGE spanner has potentially been thrown into the works of a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.The Russian duo went to war for all the light-heavyweight marbles in a memorable Riyadh rumble last weekend.Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol fought for all the light-heavyweight marbles in Riyadh last weekendCredit: GETTYBivol boxed beautifully and many thought he had the victory in the bag after the final roundCredit: GETTYBut Beterbiev was controversially crowned the undisputed king of the light heavyweightsCredit: GETTYAn immediate rematch for all the belts is in doubt as the IBF have ordered Beterbiev to fight his mandatory challenger nextCredit: GETTYChechen clubber Beterbiev was crowned the undisputed king of 175-pounders after 12 gruelling rounds, although many believe he was gifted the decision.Boxing fans around the world called for an immediate rematch following Beterbiev’s coronation, which came courtesy of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 scorecards.But the IBF have thrown a spanner into the works of what would be another mouthwatering affair.The American sanctioning body has ruled that Beterbiev MUST fight the mandatory challenger for his red strap next.READ MORE ON BETERBIEVThey have ordered the 39-year-old to fight 13-1 German Michael Eifert.Under IBF regulations, Beterbiev will have to reach a deal to face Eifert within 30 days or risk being STRIPPED of the belt.So a potential rematch with Bivol, who has submitted an appeal over the result of last weekend’s bout, likely WON’T be an undisputed affair.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDmitry Bivol cut a crestfallen figure after the verdict was read out and is hoping to land an immediate rematchCredit: GETTYThere are parallels with the quandary Oleksandr Usyk found himself in after winning his undisputed heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury in May.Most read in BoxingUsyk, however, opted against rematching mandatory IBF challenger Daniel Dubois and vacated the belt.Artur Beterbiev pulls off gymnastic stunt in final Dmitry Bivol training sessionFormer IBO and WBA light-heavyweight king Bivol was crestfallen after hearing veteran announcer Michael Buffer announce Beterbiev as the winner of their showdown.He told Sky Sports: “I feel empty emotionally now. I went to the ring only to win this fight but I don’t have my belt.”When pressed on a potential rematch, he added: “If I have this chance of course I would like to fight again.”Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh believes Bivol was denied a clear victory and will do everything in his power to make a rematch come to fruition.He told The Stomping Ground: “This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think.”But I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion.”The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. “I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.” More

FRAZER CLARKE has revealed that a leading surgeon was woken up in order to treat him after his brutal knockout by Fabio Wardley.The British boxer was left with a dent in his head after his first-round defeat in Riyadh.Frazer Clarke was brutally knocked out by Fabio WardleyCredit: GettyHe was left with a dent in his headCredit: GettyA surgeon was woken up in order to give him treatmentCredit: GettyThe gruesome injury suffered by Clarke saw Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh spring into action.He reportedly called a sleeping leading surgeon in the early hours of October 13 to make sure that Clarke received the best treatment. Clarke, 33, revealed that the call was made as he outlined his horror injuries.He told talkSPORT: “Two fractures to the cheekbone, the recovery is going to be between eight and 12 weeks.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”They told me that surgery went exactly as they wanted it to, and that it will heal stronger than before.”A massive thank you to everyone in Saudi Arabia who looked after me, because they were unbelievable.”My partner, she was unbelievable.”I’m grateful, because at the time it looked very bad for me, but I’m grateful.”Most read in BoxingThe Olympic bronze medalist also wrote off the idea that he will hang up his gloves following his “devastating” loss.He added: “Don’t get me wrong, I was devastated at the time and my pride is still dented nowFabio Wardley swaps jobs and holds pads for heavyweight trainer in Frazer Clarke rrmatch training session”It is going to be a difficult road, but I will work hard – like I always have – and aim for those heights again.”I’m 33, but I’m in the prime of my life. I felt in my prime on that night, but it was just a great shot from Fabio and a leaky defence and switch-off from myself.”But I’m the fittest now and the most athletic I’ve been in my whole career, so I’m not even looking for it to be over. If anything, it is just a blip in the road.”We were so prepared for that fight. It was the best shape I had been in both mentally and physically, and I didn’t see anything but a win for myself.”But it was a harsh reminder, especially in heavyweight boxing, that if you switch off for a second that is what can happen. And I’ve had to learn it the hard way.”I hold my hands up; my team did a fantastic job, it was me making the mistake, and it cost me.”Wardley’s win over Clarke meant that he maintained his unbeaten record and ended the pair’s rivarly.Clarke insisted that he wishes the best for the 29-year-old moving forward.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “I vaguely remember saying congratulations to Fabio in the ring on the night.”Everything was a bit of a blur, but I vaguely remember saying well done to him, and I told anyone that would see him – including [promoter] Frank Warren – to pass on my best wishes and congratulations.” More