The October 12th Riyadh Season card featuring Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol has created a divide in how fans from the United States and the United Kingdom perceive the event. While American fans are underwhelmed by the undercard, seeing it as lackluster with fighters unknown to the casual market, UK fans have a different perspective. US fans, in particular, are disappointed that the undercard has been separated from the main event and will be available for viewing on DAZN PPV without the highly anticipated matchup between Beterbiev and Bivol.
On the contrary, British fans believe that the undercard holds value with domestic matchups that pique their interest. Notably, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is set to face Joe Cordina in an attempt to raise his stock. Furthermore, cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is also featured on the undercard, although his opponent Jack Massey is considered an easy mark by many. UK fans see potential in these domestic matchups, which adds depth to the overall viewing experience.
Analyst Gareth A. Davies rated the Beterbiev vs. Bivol card as an 8 1/2 out of 10, praising the talents of the two headline fighters. However, his generous rating has come under scrutiny, with critics questioning whether he is biased or aiming to please promoters. The discrepancy between Davies’ rating and the underwhelming perception of the undercard by US fans indicates a stark contrast in how the event is being received in different regions.
Despite Davies’ positive assessment, many US fans view the card as a disappointment, rating it much lower on the scale. The lack of recognizable names and high-profile matchups on the undercard contributes to this disparity in perceived fight quality. While UK fans appreciate the opportunity to witness domestic fighters in action, US fans find the lineup lacking in excitement and star power.
Gareth A. Davies expressed admiration for Shakur Stevenson’s potential and speculated about his future accomplishments in boxing. However, his assertion that Stevenson is on track to reach #3 on the pound-for-pound list is met with skepticism. Critics argue that Stevenson’s fighting style, characterized by a lack of willingness to engage in toe-to-toe battles, may hinder his ascent on the pound-for-pound rankings.
The disparity in how British and American fans perceive the October 12th Riyadh Season card featuring Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol highlights the subjective nature of evaluating boxing events. While UK fans appreciate domestic matchups and see value in the undercard, US fans are left unimpressed by the lackluster lineup. Analyst ratings and predictions add another layer of complexity to the debate, further illustrating the diverse opinions within the boxing community. Ultimately, the discrepancy in fan reception emphasizes the importance of understanding varying perspectives when assessing the quality of boxing events.