Artur Beterbiev Doesn’t Think He’s A Great Boxer After Win Over Dmitry Bivol

Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light heavyweight champion with a majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol.

Although Beterbiev won, he was not pleased with his performance and didn’t think he was a good boxer.

“He did a good job,” said Beterbiev (via BoxingScene). “I don’t know how he measured his work as good or not, but I’m not a bad boxer. I didn’t do bad work. I only did some parts of what I prepared for and not all of the work. I don’t why. I’m always critical of myself. Even when I won all my previous fights by knockout, I always complained about my skills and performance.

“That’s why I don’t like what I did. I always want to do better. I needed to sleep for a couple of rounds and then wake up. Maybe it was my knee injury, maybe it was many things. I don’t know,” Beterbiev added. “I don’t think I’m a great boxer. But I’m not a bad boxer. It’s experience. I’m honored to become the undisputed champion.”

Artur Beterbiev was outlanded by Dmitry Bivol 142-to-137, and when the final scores were read, many were shocked by the 116-112 scorecard. However, Beterbiev’s promoter thought the fight was a clear-win for Beterbiev.

“It’s OK to have close fights either way, but it wasn’t a robbery,” said Carl Moretti. “It was a close fight. Bivol fought great. Just look at their faces. Even though his gloves were high, something was hitting Bivol. It wasn’t a ghost. So go from there.”

With the victory, Artur Beterbiev is now 21-0 as a pro. In his career, he has notable wins over Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, Joe Smith Jr., Marcus Browne, and Callum Johnson among others.