David Morrell Jnr has added his voice to the controversy over who gained the primary struggle between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Morrell thinks Beterbiev deserved the win, whereas many others imagine Bivol did sufficient to advantage a victory.
Russia’s Beterbiev, 39, earned a 12-round majority choice win over 34-year-old compatriot Bivol for the undisputed gentle heavyweight championship final October. Judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114 in favor of Beterbiev.
The scorecards raised quite a lot of disagreements amongst many boxing stakeholder, forcing a rematch which is slated for February 22 in Riyadh.
Forward of the much-anticipated rematch, Morrell, who’s scheduled to face David Benavidez in a crunch assembly on February 1, tipped Beterbiev, 21-0 (20 KOs), to make it 2-0 towards Bivol, 23-1 (12 KOs).
“Bivol is a superb fighter however I feel Beterbiev has extra expertise which confirmed within the final struggle,” Morrell advised BoxingScene. “I feel this man [Beterbiev] is extra targeted for the win.
“I imagine Beterbiev gained the final struggle and if the rematch goes the identical approach, I’m assured that he’ll win once more.”
Cuba’s Morrell may have a chance to face the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol II if he can defeat Benavidez of Phoenix, Arizona subsequent month. That isn’t going to be a straightforward activity for the Cuban, who is targeted on clinching an outstanding victory towards Benavidez.
When requested if he would like a struggle with the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol ought to he get previous Benavidez, Morrell mentioned “proper now, my thoughts is on solely Benavidez. After the Benavidez struggle, we will deal with what’s subsequent. However proper now my thoughts, physique, every little thing, my workforce, every little thing is targeted on Benavidez.”
Bernard Neequaye is a sports activities journalist with a specialty in boxing protection. He wrote a boxing column titled “From The Ringside” in his native Ghana for years. He might be reached on X (previously Twitter) at @BernardNeequaye, LinkedIn at Bernard Neequaye and thru electronic mail at bernardneequaye@gmail.com.
