Eddie Hearn Fumes At Bivol vs Beterbiev Judge Saying He Should “Never Work In Boxing Again”

Eddie Hearn was left furious with one of the judges after Dmitry Bivol lost his first ever fight by majority decision against Artur Beterbiev on Saturday night. 

“He Should Never Work Again” – Eddie Hearn Furious With Judge

The Matchroom Boxing promoter did not agree with the majority result which saw his fighter Dmitry Bivol lose for the first time in his career.

Following 12 rounds of fascinating action, the scorecards read 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 in Artur Beterbiev‘s favour. The 39-year-old became the division’s first undisputed champion since Roy Jones Jr in 2002.

Hearn was furious with the 116-112 scoring from Polish judge Pawel Kardyni, who gave Beterbiev eight of the 12 rounds and he let the media know all about it post-fight.

“He won that fight,” Hearn said in the post-fight press conference. “I struggled to find anybody in our row, the row behind, the TV row, who didn’t score the fight to Bivol. 

“To find a judge give that fight 116-112 and give Dmitry Bivol four rounds in that fight, this judge should never work in the sport again!”

It was a gruelling boxing match over 12 rounds, with both men giving their all and many couldn’t separate the two when the bell rang for the final time.

Although looking at the fight stats (see below), it’s hard not to favour Bivol, who threw half as many punches but landed just five less.

beterbiev was punching gloves, bivol was connecting, and im meant to believe beterbiev won by 4 rounds??? threw 491 more punches and only landed 5 more? games gone mate. pic.twitter.com/AD6LHhINjq

— Harley (@whuharley18) October 12, 2024

Dmitry Bivol Had No Issues With Scorecards

Unlike his promoter Eddie Hearn, Bivol wasn’t quick to blame judges for his defeat. The 33-year-old spoke to the media post-fight, showing respect for his opponent: “I don’t have any explanations because it could look like excuses. 

“I just say congratulations to Artur and his team, he deserves it. No problem. I did my job, I always feel I could be better, it’s just the opinions of the judges.”

Following the controversial result, a rematch looks like it could be on the cards early next year. Both fighters were asked about the prospect and made it clear they would do it all over again.

The Bivol vs Beterbiev topped off a sensational night of boxing in Riyadh with the undercard living up to its billing too. Fabio Wardley retained his titles after brutally knocking out Frazer Clarke in round one.

Meanwhile Chris Eubank Jr made a winning return to the ring, with Conor Benn calling him out after.