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One minute Artur and his whole team are standing dejected in the corner looking like anything but winners in the aftermath of the fight, then moments later the camera cuts to him embracing a jubilant Ramzan Kadyrov (who seems to know something we all don't) and Artur's body language has in a matter of seconds done a total 180 degrees shift as he stands there as happy as can be, almost celebratory in tone.
Right there I knew the fix was in, though I did still feel that horrible pang of disgust (familiar to any long-term fans of this beautiful sport) as the result was read out all the same. I'm a big fan of Beterbiev but he did not deserve that win. He knew it, his team knew it, everybody in and around that ring knew it. It was palpable in the air.
Beterbiev spent the bulk of the fight hitting only arms and gloves. Nearly all of the clean, effective punches were landed by Bivol and the only fighter who ever looked visibly hurt or stunned was Beterbiev, several times. Yes, Beterbiev's presence was strong all night and he often out-muscled and clubbed Bivol off balance when he got in close, and yes, Bivol didn't let his hands go enough in some rounds (though even then he usually landed the best few shots of the round), but ultimately Bivol's superior skills won the fight.
Unless, of course, your Chechen and Muslim brother Ramzan Kadyrov, International Warlord™, is personally on hand to ensure the judges crown the right winner, that is. Alhamdulillah.
Right there I knew the fix was in, though I did still feel that horrible pang of disgust (familiar to any long-term fans of this beautiful sport) as the result was read out all the same. I'm a big fan of Beterbiev but he did not deserve that win. He knew it, his team knew it, everybody in and around that ring knew it. It was palpable in the air.
Beterbiev spent the bulk of the fight hitting only arms and gloves. Nearly all of the clean, effective punches were landed by Bivol and the only fighter who ever looked visibly hurt or stunned was Beterbiev, several times. Yes, Beterbiev's presence was strong all night and he often out-muscled and clubbed Bivol off balance when he got in close, and yes, Bivol didn't let his hands go enough in some rounds (though even then he usually landed the best few shots of the round), but ultimately Bivol's superior skills won the fight.
Unless, of course, your Chechen and Muslim brother Ramzan Kadyrov, International Warlord™, is personally on hand to ensure the judges crown the right winner, that is. Alhamdulillah.
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