After a highly anticipated rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, fans and analysts alike have been left wondering what went wrong for Beterbiev in this second bout. As the undefeated light heavyweight champion with a 100% knockout rate, many expected Beterbiev to dominate. However, Dmitry Bivol delivered a stunning performance, retaining his title and further cementing his position as one of the best in the division.

In the aftermath of the fight, Artur Beterbiev’s coach, John Scully, gave an insightful explanation regarding why his fighter was unable to claim victory in the rematch. Speaking candidly about the loss, Scully shed light on key factors that played a role in Beterbiev’s defeat and what they learned from the experience.

The Key Factor: Bivol’s Superior Strategy

Coach Scully began by acknowledging that Bivol’s strategy in the rematch was simply superior. According to Scully, Bivol was able to control the pace of the fight with his technical and disciplined approach. “Bivol was more calculated in this fight. He didn’t make the same mistakes he did in the first one, and he imposed his game plan from the very beginning,” said Scully. “He was more active, more elusive, and used his jab really well to keep Artur at a distance.”

Scully emphasized that while Beterbiev had the power to change the course of the fight at any moment, Bivol’s footwork and movement neutralized Beterbiev’s pressure. “Artur is a pressure fighter, and when you can’t close the distance on him, it takes away his biggest weapon, which is his power,” explained Scully. Bivol was able to stick to his plan, avoid exchanges, and dictate the tempo, all while landing clean, precise shots.

Beterbiev’s Slower Start

Another key element that Scully pointed out was Beterbiev’s slower start to the fight. While Beterbiev has often been known for his aggressive, fast-paced style, he appeared more hesitant in the rematch, possibly due to Bivol’s defensive brilliance and constant movement. “Artur is used to taking control early in fights, but Bivol didn’t let him. He was smarter with his defense and made Artur miss a lot,” said Scully.

Beterbiev’s tendency to take a more calculated approach at the start of the fight seemed to hinder his ability to gain momentum. As the rounds went on, Bivol’s confidence grew, and Beterbiev struggled to adjust to his rhythm.

Adapting to the Fight

Scully also explained that while Beterbiev is known for his ability to adapt mid-fight, Bivol’s adjustments were simply too effective. “Bivol has a very high boxing IQ, and he made adjustments quickly. Whenever Artur tried to close the gap, Bivol found a way to nullify it,” said Scully. One of the main areas Beterbiev struggled with was closing the distance without getting countered, a key weakness that Bivol capitalized on throughout the fight.

As the rounds wore on, Beterbiev’s frustrations grew, and Bivol’s control became more apparent. Scully acknowledged that despite their best efforts, Beterbiev wasn’t able to make the necessary adjustments quickly enough to turn the fight in his favor.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Although the loss was difficult for both Beterbiev and Scully, the coach remained optimistic about his fighter’s future. “This fight showed us areas where we need to improve,” Scully said. “We’re going to go back to the drawing board and work on Artur’s adaptability. He’s a great fighter, and I know he’ll come back even stronger.”

Scully also noted that Beterbiev’s ability to learn from this fight will be key moving forward. “Artur is a smart guy. He’ll take the lessons from this loss and improve. We’ll be more prepared for the next challenge.”

Despite the loss, Scully was confident that Beterbiev could still be a dominant force in the light heavyweight division. “We just have to figure out how to deal with the type of fighter like Bivol,” he said. “There’s no reason Artur can’t come back and win against anyone in the division. We’ll adjust, we’ll learn, and we’ll get better.”

Bivol’s Masterclass

While Coach Scully focused on what went wrong for Beterbiev, he also praised Dmitry Bivol for his outstanding performance. “Bivol did what he had to do. He boxed beautifully. It wasn’t a fluke. He is a true champion, and he earned the victory,” Scully acknowledged. Bivol’s work in the rematch showed why he is considered one of the best technical boxers in the world today.

Looking Ahead for Beterbiev

For now, Beterbiev and his team will be regrouping, learning from the loss, and analyzing what went wrong. The road to redemption may be challenging, but Artur Beterbiev’s reputation as a relentless fighter and a warrior remains intact. With John Scully in his corner, there’s no doubt that Beterbiev will continue to be a major player in the light heavyweight division.

As for a potential trilogy fight with Bivol, it remains to be seen if the two will meet again in the ring. One thing is certain: boxing fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this riveting rivalry.