THE outcome of Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol is one which for many comes down to two factors. Beterbiev’s power and Bivol’s boxing ability.
These two champions are the best light-heavyweights in the world and have separated themselves from the pack not just because of power and ability but also their pedigree, discipline, tactics, boxing IQ and more.
After Saturday night one will stand alone as the number one fighter at 175lbs and will leave Riyadh with the four world titles which are on the line.
With fight night approaching the debate rages on over who will win. Boxing News looks at three key questions which will be answered in the ring.
Will Bivol withstand Beterbiev’s power?
Beterbiev has 20 professional fights under his belt and won every time by knockout or stoppage. What he hits he hurts. Not since facing Joe Smith Jr in 2019 has Bivol faced a fighter who carries bludgeoning power. And in round 10 the American landed a right hand to the temple which briefly stunned Bivol who had dominated the majority of the fight. Beterbiev hits harder and does it effortlessly. The 39-year-old will land something meaningful sooner or later. And when he does we will find out even more about Bivol’s chances of winning.
Can Bivol out-box Beterbiev for 12 rounds?
That seems to be the belief of those who are backing Bivol to win. The 33-year-old is without question one of the finest boxers in the world who has the footwork, balance, mobility and shot selection to keep you at bay for 36 minutes. Bivol made Canelo Alvarez – who moved up from super-middleweight – look ordinary and the Mexican is anything but. Beterbiev is not a one-trick pony, however. The unified champion expertly closes the distance, cuts the ring off, sets traps and is an excellent boxer in his own right. For Bivol to out-box Beterbiev he will need to be perfect.
Will Beterbiev’s body let him down?
Boxers nowadays can say with evidence that ‘Age is just a number’. Nowadays our fighters are better conditioned, better prepared and look after themselves far better than ever before. Beterbiev is three months away from his 40th birthday but in his last fight against Callum Smith he looked arguably better than ever. However, Beterbiev had to postpone their original date in June because of a ruptured meniscus. Could this affect his mobility? Beterbiev has also suffered injuries to his shoulder, ribs and had a separate leg procedure in 2022. Boxers will tell you injury is part of the sport but they catch up with you along with age and tough fights. But Beterbiev could well be an individual who defies logic until he decides to hang up the gloves.
