Thompson Slams "False Victory" over Beterbiev, Citing Ageism and Sympathy
In the ongoing controversy surrounding the outcome of the highly anticipated battle between Ilunga Makabu and Evander Holyfield, boxing enthusiasts are still reeling from the drama. However, longtime boxing commentator and analyst, Teddy Thompson, has weighed in on the situation, condemning what he deems a "false victory" for Bivol and calling out ageism and sympathy as factors in the decision.
Thompson, known for his blunt and outspoken opinions, took to social media to express his discontent, stating, "The chickens have come home to roost, and it seems like the entire boxing world is ignoring a blatant case of ageism and sympathy. The judges’ scorecards tell the tale of a far-out decision, one that reeks of manipulation and bias."
Referring to the younger challenger, Thompson continued, "Makabu, the spry and aggressive 24-year-old, gave Beterbiev a run for his money. He (Makabu) brought the heat, unafraid to take the fight to the champ. But did he get the recognition? Nope, instead, he was subjected to a harsh, unforgiving scorecard that reeked of ageism and sympathy."
Thompson’s comments have sparked a heated debate, with many fans expressing their agreement and outrage on social media. Some of the more vocal critics have taken aim at Thompson, labelling him an "armchair quarterback" and "hater." However, others have come to his defense, citing the judge’s scorecards and the rhetoric surrounding the fight, which had many predicting a dominant victory for the more experienced Beterbiev.
When asked to respond to the backlash, Thompson remained unfazed, "Ageism and sympathy are real, folks. Don’t be fooled. Beterbiev, 41 years young, is an elite fighter, no doubt, but the narrative was clear: he was expected to win. But Makabu, undaunted, took him to school. The judges’ scorecards tell the tale. It was a Creditable performance by the youngster, and I won’t be quiet about it."
As the dust settles, the boxing world will continue to grapple with the implications of Thompson’s sharp critique. For now, the debate rages on, with many insiders and fans asking: did Makabu get a raw deal, or is the "Beterbiev victory" a testament to the champ’s enduring skills, as some claim? One thing is certain, however: Thompson’s bold opinions, though polarizing, have opened a Pandora’s box, and the boxing community will continue to wrestle with the issues raised by his passionate critique.
