WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is a narrow -140 favorite to defeat WBC/IBF/WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (+120) in their clash on Saturday for the undisputed world championship. Bivol-Beterbiev headlines a big card at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fight will stream exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. starting at 6 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. PT.
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Two factors make Bivol the favorite in this fight, I believe. Beterbiev’s age and his constant health problems; also, we can include that Bivol is the better and fresher boxer, but we never know for certain if that is enough to defeat such a destructive fighter as Beterbiev is. Let’s wait to find out.
Bivol being a favorite seems to imply Beterbiev is an aged fighter. Not buying it. There’s no doubt Bivol is very good, but Beterbiev is a destroyer.
Beterbiev by 10.
Definitely matchup of the year! I can see either Bivol by decision, or Beterbiev by late TKO. However, if I had to choose one, I’m taking Beterbiev because of his raw power.
What makes Betterbiev & Bivol great is they have a good gas tank as well as great skills. Betterbiev is methodical – Bivol needs to somehow force Betterbiev to take a step back. The only fight where Betterbiev had to retreat was with Yarde – but muscle bound Yarde did not have the stamina or discipline to even go the distance.
Because the fight is this month, Beterbiev is a historical wrecking ball of pure boxing terror (without a hockey mask during the fight).
This quintessential chess match may come down to how effective Bivol can box and how much punishment he can absorb. If Beterbiev can effectively cut off the ring, Bivol doesn’t see the 12th round.
I´m convinced Bivol has the plan and skill, and I see him as the favorite as well but I´m not sure, and as Mike Tyson said; “Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth”.
Whilst all these great matchups keep happening, US boxing is being left behind. With all their guys inactive, avoiding each other and preferring to argue on Twitter.