Dmitry Bivol is still grappling with the aftermath of his controversial loss to Artur Beterbiev. The former WBA light heavyweight champion started strong, controlling the early rounds with sharp footwork and precision. However, as the fight went on, Beterbiev’s relentless power and aggression began to turn the tide. Despite Bivol adjusting and regaining momentum, the final three rounds marked a sharp decline for the 33-year-old as fatigue and pressure took their toll.

The fight ended in a majority decision in favor of the 39-year-old Beterbiev, sparking widespread debate, with many calling the verdict a robbery. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, the previously unbeaten Bivol opened up about those crucial final rounds and, more importantly, what went wrong as the fight slipped away.

Speaking to Bivol, Marcos Villegas from Fight Hub TV probed him about those last three rounds, adding it seemed like Bivol had slowed down drastically while Beterbiev seemed more aggressive. “See, this is what I didn’t like. I didn’t do those 3 rounds [the] perfect. I had to do them [the] perfect. [I wasn’t tired] I was trying to find [the] perfect moment,” Bivol said.

Despite waiting for the perfect moment to arrive, Bivol acknowledged that it never did. He claimed he wanted to act, but something held him back. “I was trying, but couldn’t, I had to act, not just [wait], I had to act, but I didn’t. Maybe I wasn’t sure it was [the] right moment… but the time passed very fast, to be honest,” he told Villegas. 

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It’s worth noting that the 33-year-old has been vocal about a rematch since then. Beterbiev seemed open to the prospect after the fight. Therefore, it’s just a matter of making it happen. Meanwhile, the last undisputed light heavyweight champion reveals who he thought won the fight. 

Roy Jones Jr. shares his take on Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev

Former undisputed light heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. has shared his thoughts on the closely contested fight between Bivol and Beterbiev, calling for an immediate rematch. Jones, who held the undisputed status in 1999, felt the fight was way too close for it to be anything other than a draw. 

“Last night, we had a very fantastic fight,” Jones said on social media. “A fight that I thought could’ve gone either way, but what happened? Happened.” It appears that even Jones was scoring the fight, as he added, “Nobody won or lost the fight by four points.” Regardless, ‘Captain Hook’ praised both fighters, especially Beterbiev’s ability to adapt. 

“Beterbiev showed me more than he’s ever shown me before about being a boxer. He actually can walk, and I was surprised,” he said. After witnessing the back-and-forth battle in Saudi, Jones declared, “I think… the fight should be a draw, and it’s gonna be a rematch.”

Had Dmitry Bivol been more active in the last three rounds, could the results have been different? Potentially yes, but then again, most fans think that Bivol had won the fight. Nonetheless, what did you think of the last three rounds?