The knockout, or even a knockdown, only looked a possibility when Bivol was backed up to the ropes, not when the pair were in the centre of the ring, where Bivol won so many exchanges and seemed (as) comfortable (as one could be) with Beterbiev’s offence.
Although many voices in boxing felt the result should have gone the other way, there was an acceptance that Bivol dropped off to give Beterbiev the final rounds, which proved decisive in the latter unifying the belts.
This was the consensus: if Dmitry Bivol was to avenge his first-ever loss, if he was to take the undisputed light-heavyweight titles from Artur Beterbiev, he would have to take more “risks”.
In the rematch, Bivol again started strong, but Beterbiev built momentum much sooner this time, winning the middle rounds and seemingly closing in on a stoppage.
Even his enhanced power would never match Beterbiev’s, but it might have left a vital impression on the judges, as Beterbiev’s face was already marked in the early rounds.
