This weekend plays host to what many are calling the ‘best fight in boxing’, as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol go toe-to-toe in a battle to crown a first four-belt undisputed light-heavyweight champion. Ahead of fight night, a former opponent of Bivol’s has spoken out and detailed why he believes Beterbiev will have his number.
Beterbiev remains as boxing’s only world champion with a 100% knockout ratio, scoring stoppage victories over the likes of Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Joe Smith Jr. and Callum Smith since becoming champion.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Bivol represents the slick boxing technician in the age-old stylistic match-up that is a powerful puncher versus a masterful boxing mind with tremendous footwork.
Yet, that is not to say that Beterbiev does not possess extremely intelligence in the ring himself, with his aggression being far more advanced than your average front-footed swarmer – as shown by his success in the amateurs, where he won two European championships and one world championship, making for an intriguing affair this weekend.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.
In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Lyndon Arthur, who lost a decision to Bivol back in December, revealed his prediction and detailed why Beterbiev’s success in the amateurs could prove pivotal, although he admitted that the age and recent injuries of the 39-year-old does raise alarm bells.
“When I was in there with Bivol, I thought, ‘He doesn’t hit as hard as I thought he would,”
“I was able to defend a lot more punches than I thought I would.”
“I’ve been in with both of them. I was sparring Beterbiev. It’s not the same as a fight, but the punches he throws to be able to take them with 10-ounce gloves at the pace he brings them and the resilience he comes into the ring with, it’s going to be hard for Bivol to keep him off.
“He definitely hits hard with 10-ounce gloves with both hands, and it would hurt to get hit with 10-ounce gloves,”
“Bivol, it’s his combination punching, his distancing, and the way he gets in range. Before you know it, he’s there. Beterbiev, it’s his relentless and his ability to come forward. He’s very good at boxing. Because he knocks everyone out, everyone thinks he’s a come-forward fighter, but he was on the Russian team for a long time in the amateurs.”
“He had a long amateur career. He’s seen a lot of styles. He’s very good at boxing. Yeah, [I am picking Beterbiev to win].”
“As long as Beterbiev has got something left in the tank and didn’t grow old overnight. If he’s not showing age, I believe Beterbiev will get him,”
Beterbiev-Bivol will take place on Saturday night, topping a mammoth undercard that features names such as Jai Opetaia, Chris Eubank Jr. and Ben Whittaker.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.