Officials have been named for tonight’s light heavyweight world title unification clash between WBC champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The referee will be Gary Rosato. Judges are John McKaie, Ron McNair and John Poturaj.
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Both fighters weighed in this morning. Gvozdyk has gained 9.9 pounds since yesterday’s weigh-in. Beterbiev has gained exactly 9 pounds, coming in at 183.5.
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Odds have really tightened at some sportsbooks with late money coming in on Beterbiev. For example, 5dimes has Gvozdyk at -112 and Beterbiev at -103.
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Tonight’s ESPN telecast begins at 10PM ET/7PM PT. If you are a boxing fan, this fight is pretty much “can’t miss TV.”
This match up will simply be a game of Beterbiev stalking straight forward with a high work rate hoping to tire and drop Gvozdyk. Gvozdyk will move at angles and counter punch hoping Beterbiev will slow him down enough to set the pace at a controllable rate and distance. If Beterbiev can keep his engine running on all cylinders, he may slide off with the edge in victory.
Well said.
Regardless of who wins, its going to be a great fight.
All you wuzzy, kid gloved managed “fighters” who claim to be “superstars” take note!
This is what boxing is all about. Two talented, undefeated fighters, in their prime, fighting to become the true #1 in their division. This is how greatness is built and maintained.
Win or lose, both fighters (as well as the sport and fans) will emerge winners!
THIS is a fight! The BEST fighting the BEST and not carefully picked opponents.
I think there should be an independent review board keeping track of all judges in major fights. The number of wrong decisions in boxing is higher than in any other sport. The damage caused by wrong decisions is in the billions of $$.
It would help if the names of bad/corrupt judges are not overlooked/forgotten, but kept on public record and talked about in boxing forums.
To my knowledge, the three judges for this fight, John McKaie, John Poturaj and Ron McNair have a exemplary records so far, and have mostly worked DiBella fights.
I know its already been said but I have to say it myself.. I can not believe this fight is on ESPN! More of THIS is what would save the sport! Top level fights regular TV…. Lets have it!
I;m with you I already got rid o HBO I still have showtime and of course fox,if they go to ppv , I will not pay to watch fights, back in the day 70’s and 80’s I watched many champion ship fights at home
This will be interesting.. Because both guys.. On some level are capable of doing exactly what the other is known for.. For instance.. Beterbiev… KO man.. No question. However, Gvodzyk is a plodder and can see counters that can sleep someone as he did Stevenson. Same with Gvodzyk being the tactician; Beterbiev’s boxing skills under underspoken and underestimated. He can certainly box well also. SUCH A GREAT FIGHT! HOPE FOR A GOOD SCRAP!
I just watched the video of the stare down between the two… I’m going Beterbiev.. 100%
Gvozdyk looks like a boy but fights like a man. He’s gonna prevail.
What a fight!!!! Two undefeated KO artist going head to head I can’t wait…. awesome fight!
Canelo is going to win and he won’t even be there.
That’s a fight of the year candidate even if he hasn’t take place yet !! That’s what boxing is all about : the two best lightheavyweights today going at each other (Bivol isn’t a light heavy, to me he’s more like a super Middleweight and he lacks the power to beat these two in my opinion). A tall rangy technician in Gvodzyk who can take big shots and give back big shots against a pressure volume fighter who only goes forward , can take a punch too and hits like a mule !! I don’t know who wins this one ! If Gvodzyk can handle Beterbiev’s pressure and power while moving around, using his jab and throwing hard shots on a off balance target he will win… If not he’s in trouble !! Great matchup..
I can’t see Bewrbetev winning by decision, so I would suggest a knockout. The Ukranian is going to be his toughest test I think, even though they supposably fought as amateurs, and Berbetepv won. Berbetepv has to make the statement, he is not getting any younger, and may have lost some good years. i can see the Ukranian winning by decision, but Berbetepv by knockout. Jimmy Lenon is now in the ring presenting the fighters.