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Clash of the Titans, Russian Style: Beterbiev vs Bivol
If there was ever a 50/50 matchup and a must-see boxing match, this is it. Whatever your politics or feelings on the Saudi Arabia machine, there is no denying they are putting on great fights and events.
While this year has been a renaissance for big matchups, this is the best fight on paper that could have been made in the entire sport. Whoever wins becomes not only the undisputed light heavyweight champion of the world, he becomes the greatest boxer in the history of Russia – a title I would imagine is more important than belts to both warriors. That is not hyperbole. That is a fact.
The Matchup
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol face off for the final time before their light heavyweight fight on Saturday. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing
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- Artur Beterbiev: A powerful force with brutal, thudding, punching power. His aggressive style and heavy hands make him the division’s strong man.
- Dmitry Bivol: A technical boxer known for his defense and counterpunching ability, who pummeled the biggest name in boxing, Canelo Alvarez. His speed and precision make him a difficult fighter to hit,
Ultimately, this fight promises to be an exciting clash of styles. Both fighters are elite-level competitors, and the outcome is difficult to predict.
Key Factors to Watch
- Bivol’s defense: How well can Bivol avoid Beterbiev’s powerful punches?
- Beterbiev’s accuracy: Can Beterbiev land his punches consistently, or will his aggression lead to missed shots?
- The pace of the fight: Will the fight be a fast-paced slugfest, or will Bivol control the tempo with his defensive skills?
Could a rematch between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol land on Cinco de Mayo 2025 if Bivol defeats Artur Beterbiev? Photo: Ed Mulholland. Matchroom.
The number one and key factor: Bivol’s ability to keep Beterbiev off will be the ultimate determination. Beterbiev is a relentless pressure fighter known for his aggressive style and powerful punches. If Bivol can effectively use his footwork and defensive skills to keep Beterbiev at bay, he can limit the number of punches he absorbs and create opportunities for his own offense.
Beterbiev has been outboxed several times, but no one survives to see the fruits of that labor. Ask Anthony Yarde.
Joe Smith Jr. trainer Buddy McGirt asked referee Michael Griffin to stop the fight in the seventh round. Photo: Mikey Williams, Top Rank Boxing
Beterbiev’s power is undoubtedly a major factor in the fight, but it is not the only one. While his knockout ability is impressive, Bivol is a skilled defensive fighter with a strong chin, having survived getting hit flush by Joe Smith Jr.
Ultimately, the outcome of the fight will depend on how well Bivol can balance his defensive strategy with his offensive intentions. If he can successfully keep Beterbiev at a distance while finding opportunities to counterpunch, he will carry the day and become undisputed.
Okay, NO more stalling. My prediction
While both fighters possess unique strengths, Bivol’s technical skill and defensive prowess give him a slight edge. When boxers fight punchers, the boxers get the edge. Bivol’s ability to evade punches and land accurate counterpunches could neutralize Beterbiev’s power.
However, if Beterbiev can land a clean shot, his knockout power could be decisive.
