A few weeks ago, we saw a pretty encouraging outlook after David Benavidez and David Morrell joined the light heavyweight division. However, the debuts of both Latinos differed from what we expected and created doubts about their real chances against the fight winner, Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev, on October 12th.
Despite this, enormous expectations remain for the Beterbiev-Bivol fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will be shown live on DAZN PPV.
As long as fans’ interest remains intact, this fight has undoubtedly the potential to become one of the best of this year.
Beterbiev, a Canadian national, was born in Russia, just like Bivol. IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will have his three titles on the line, while Bivol will have his WBA title at stake. This is a dream light heavyweight undisputed fight between two of the best boxers in the world.
From now on, experts will discuss and analyze each of the two fighters’ tools and skills, looking for a prediction of who might be the winner. This will be a duel between strength and intelligence. We’ll see a fight between a young Bivol and a veteran Beterbiev.
Beterbiev has finished all 20 of his fights by knockout. In this weight class, his power has devastated all of his rivals. Bivol has used his boxing skills to score 23 wins, 12 by knockout. The fighter with power has chances until the last minute of the fight.
Throughout history, we have seen great classics between power and technique. Sometimes, power takes the glory; other times, technique nullifies the power. This fight promotes excellent emotions. Will Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) evade Beterbiev’s power? Will Beterbiev have the stamina to reach the 12th round?
This fight was scheduled for last June, but Beterbiev’s knee injury forced them to postpone it to October. We know little about Beterbiev’s recovery, but this week, he appeared in a video shadowing in front of some bushes.
The fight is not yet scheduled for Boxrec. We assume that it is due to the structuring of the fights and the whole event. Although both are well-known to hardcore boxing fans, the casual fan is more familiar with Bivol after his crushing victory over Canelo Alvarez in May 2022.
I am convinced that a technically skilled boxer has many chances to win against a great puncher. We recently saw how Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela completely nullified Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in their fight on August 3rd. Beterbiev looks much better technically than Cruz.
When comparing Beterbiev’s boxing ability to Bivol’s, I see Dmitry as having the advantages. However, we must recognize Artur’s power, which balances this fight. Many now see a devastating knockout by Artur, while others see a close battle in favor of Bivol.
From now on, my favoritism is leaning towards Bivol. His skills and mobility will be the remedy to defeat great Artur. A Bivol’s overconfidence can cost him the fight in any round. He will win if Bivol’s legs can hold up for 12 rounds. Beterbiev is nearly 40 years old and will be a factor.
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