Dmitry Bivol retained his titles in Russia on Saturday night time, however the statistic that emerged afterward belonged to Michael Eifert.
The German challenger left Ekaterinburg with a mark no one desires after posting what Compubox described because the lowest punch whole ever recorded in a 12-round struggle.
Bivol dropped Eifert within the opening spherical earlier than cruising to a one-sided victory that WBN scored 120-107.
By the ultimate bell, the end result had lengthy been determined, however the numbers connected to Eifert’s efficiency have been solely starting to draw consideration.
In a struggle dominated by Bivol, who didn’t put a foot improper, the aftermath has turned extra to his opponent’s output.
Historic Low
In line with Compubox, Eifert landed simply 12 punches throughout all 12 rounds. He related with solely six jabs and 6 energy punches throughout all the contest, landed 4 physique pictures and was credited with zero connects in six separate rounds.
Compubox said: “Eifert landed solely 12 whole punches within the match, the bottom whole ever recorded in a 12-round bout of any form in Compubox historical past.”
For a fighter difficult for a world title, the numbers are virtually not possible to imagine.
Dmitry Bivol
The undesirable distinction belongs to Eifert, however Bivol deserves credit score for creating the circumstances that produced it.
Returning after 15 months away and again surgical procedure, the Russian managed each side of the struggle from the opening knockdown onward.
Eifert struggled to ascertain a jab, not often appeared comfy sufficient to throw mixtures and spent a lot of the competition reacting to Bivol moderately than forcing his personal struggle.
By the championship rounds, listening to the ultimate bell gave the impression to be the challenger’s major goal.
Compubox added that Bivol landed 105 punches in comparison with Eifert’s 12 whereas additionally connecting with 26 physique pictures.
These numbers could be alarming in any struggle, however in a world title problem they’re virtually unparalleled.
Rating System Downside?
The efficiency additionally highlights a rising drawback with boxing’s rating system.
Eifert entered the competition as Bivol’s necessary challenger regardless of by no means defeating a bonafide high fifteen mild heavyweight contender on his method to the chance.
When a challenger lands simply 12 punches in 12 rounds and produces the bottom whole ever recorded in a 12-round struggle, consideration inevitably turns to the method that put him there.
The problem will not be Eifert accepting the prospect. Few fighters would flip down a world title shot.
The larger problem is whether or not sanctioning our bodies want stricter requirements earlier than handing out necessary positions, notably when main fights are being delayed to accommodate them.
Bivol’s victory retains him on track for a 3rd struggle with Artur Beterbiev, however Eifert’s efficiency could depart many questioning whether or not he had carried out sufficient beforehand to justify standing in the best way of one among boxing’s largest rivalries.
Concerning the Creator
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. His work is distributed throughout main platforms, together with Apple Information. Learn full bio.
