Editor’s Note: This is the first of four year-end awards. This was followed by Knockout of the Year, Fight of the Year and Fighter of the Year.
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The pros paid their respects to Dmitry Bivol during his game against Canelo Alvarez on May 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The 175-pound defending champion is considered an excellent boxer with a string of quality wins over the previous four or five years. He and Artur Betterbiev are the unquestionable class of the department.
But can Bivol really beat Alvarez?
Any. The Mexican superstar is invincible, he has dominated elite opponent after elite since he suffered his only loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2013. The only exceptions are the fights. difficult with another star, Gennadiy Golovkin.
Alvarez, the 4-1 favorite, can’t lose. And then he did.
Bivol’s combination of refined technique, natural bodybuilding advantage over the 168-pound champion, and ample confidence was too much for Alvarez to handle in a single match. Unanimous decision back and Boxing Junkie’s Disappointment of 2022.
The former Russian amateur star played brilliantly, calmly, coolly controlling distance with quick, hard shots and coordination, while maintaining a tight barrier that made Alvarez impenetrable. By the middle of the fight, Alvarez felt frustrated, tired, and had no other choice.
No one – not even Golovkin – has been able to do that to him since Mayweather taught him, which is why it’s so amazing to watch.
“Today I proved myself,” Bivol said in the ring afterwards. “I am the best of me [division]. I keep my belt.”
Alvarez was gracious immediately after his defeat, crediting his conqueror for a stellar performance. However, he changed his tone, later asserting that he had only lost four or five rounds and should have raised his hand.
We know better.
The fact that all three referees gave Bivol a 115-113 win – seven innings to five – was ludicrous enough. Boxing Junkie scored 117-111 for the winner, which is a true reflection of reality. Alvarez’s suggestion that he should have won 116-112 or 115-113 is absurd.
Bivol won fairly and convincingly, exposing Alvarez as human and cementing his own reputation as one of the world’s best boxers by the pound.
Alvarez has said he wants a second shot at Bivol. And, given his ability and determination, no one would be surprised if he found a way to turn the tables. If nothing else, it could end up being a closer fight.
No matter what, Bivol will always have May 7, 2022, the best night of his career and one of the most important tumultuous days in recent years.
Tomorrow: The knockout round of 2022
