Photo: Matchroom Boxing/DAZN – The first face-off between Beterbiev and Bivol.
Is Dmitry Bivol too young, too talented, and too ring-smart to allow Artur Beterbiev to become the undisputed champion at 175 pounds? Let’s dive into the question.
Laurent Poulin (myself) has spent a lot of time thinking about this, consulting various experts and enriching my opinion through extensive reading.
We’ve all dreamed of one day seeing Artur Beterbiev (WBC, WBO, IBF) face Dmitry Bivol (WBA) in a fight where all the belts at 175 pounds would be on the line.
One man can make this kind of miracle happen: Turki Alalshikh, the savior of boxing. Through his passion for the noble art—and his billions—he is bringing us this fight on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Dmitry Bivol
I used to listen to Montreal Canadiens games on my yellow Walkman while sorting packages during my evening shifts. Not only did I lack a social life at the time, but I also started quoting Dany Dubé’s phrases nonstop.
Dany constantly repeated that Russian defenseman Andrei Markov’s internal computer was years ahead of the other players. Dmitry Bivol is easy to describe: he’s a boxer with great intelligence who neither seeks a KO nor a spectacle but simply wants to win while taking as few risks as possible for his health. One could even say he’s afraid of getting hit or just has no desire to be punched.
I realized he was different in 2018 when he won by TKO after dominating Sullivan Barrera. He then painted technical boxing masterpieces against Jean Pascal, Joe Smith, Umar Salamov, and Gilberto Ramirez.
I must mention that he had a poor outing against Craig Richards in May 2021. Even I have written bad articles before… or at least I imagine I have.
It was on May 7, 2022, that he convinced the entire world of his place at the top. He outclassed Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in a technical masterclass, demonstrating how to manage distance, the art of defense, and how to hit without getting hit. Keep in mind, he was underestimated with 5-to-1 odds.
Every boxing coach will tell you that the technically skilled boxer always has the advantage over the physically powerful and brutal one. This is the mindset and strategy Bivol will bring to the fight.
Artur Beterbiev
100% of his victories have come by KO. Artur Beterbiev’s power is legendary and historic. Let me cite a few of his knockouts to remind us all: Callum Johnson (TKO 4), Radivoje Kalajdzic (KO 5), Oleksandr Gvozdyk (TKO 10), Marcus Browne (KO 9), Joe Smith (TKO 2), Anthony Yarde (TKO 8), and Callum Smith (TKO 7). A long list to read, but how impressive it is.
To understand Beterbiev’s style, I’ll refer you to an excellent article on the BOXROPE website (link).
In summary, Artur Beterbiev has been successful thanks to his physical strength, constant aggression, superior conditioning, and unshakable mentality.
What some might describe as brutal boxing is actually a style based on footwork, distance control, and an analysis of the opponent that happens round by round.
He absorbs most punches with his forearms or gloves, keeping his hands high and his defense tight to avoid powerful shots. Known primarily as an offensive boxer, his defense is also world-class.
Beterbiev’s style is the ‘Soviet Boxing Style,’ a boxing style based on controlled pressure, footwork to avoid danger and seek angles, and small feints with the lead hand to keep his opponent guessing.
Predictions from Quebec Experts
Vincent Morin:
“I favor Beterbiev in a big clash of styles. The longer this fight takes to happen, the better Bivol’s chances, due to Artur’s age. The fight would have been easier for Artur if it had taken place a bit earlier. Bivol controls distance well with his Soviet style, but he can get caught. He was hit by Joe Smith, who is much slower than Artur. People who favor Bivol because of his style forget one thing: Artur did all his amateur boxing in Russia. He’s seen this style throughout his youth. It’s nothing new for him. Someone like Canelo Alvarez, who had only seen aggressive Mexican or American defensive fighters, could be surprised by this type of boxing. That won’t be the case for Beterbiev, who will gradually break down Bivol with his pressure, precision, and punch volume.
Beterbiev by KO/TKO around the 11th round.”
Adrien Meure (Star Analyst of the podcast “Le Compte de 8”):
“It’s a fight where the outcome seems very difficult to predict, due to the clash of styles and the ability of each boxer to dominate their opponents. Beterbiev has stopped all his opponents since turning pro, while Bivol has barely lost a round, even against elite fighters. Bivol might be the best boxer today in terms of distance management. He’s always ready to adjust his footwork, almost like a fencer. He makes his opponents miss by a very small margin and is then well-positioned to counter. I see Bivol frustrating Beterbiev in the first half of the fight, before Beterbiev’s pressure wears on him and he takes control. Beterbiev will need to start quickly to avoid turning things around too late.
I predict a draw, 114-114, in a two-phase battle.”
Carl Vaillancourt:
“In a true clash of titans, boxing fans will find out which of the two Russian boxers—Dmitry Bivol or Artur Beterbiev—is the real light heavyweight champion. On one side, Bivol is the technician with quick hands, dynamic boxing, and tighter defense. On the other, we have the powerhouse, with heavy punches that can create doubt in the mind of any boxer. On October 12, the two men will step into the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh to unify the four belts of the division. With his surgical jab, Bivol will try to manage the distance with a relentless and incisive Beterbiev. However, Beterbiev’s inactivity might make it harder for him to land powerful shots in the first third of the fight. Bivol’s technique and ease will allow him to win 3 of the first 4 rounds. Then, Beterbiev will adjust and increase the pressure on his opponent. That’s when Bivol will need to find his second wind and remember that Beterbiev’s punch can change everything. If he can manage the distance and disrupt Beterbiev with his jab, Beterbiev might grow impatient, leaving many openings for Bivol. The conqueror of Saul Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez can box on the outside and avoid exchanges, which will benefit him! Beterbiev will have to give it his all in the later rounds to hope for a KO or TKO finish; otherwise, he’ll suffer his first loss by unanimous decision. Bivol will win 7 of the 12 rounds, including 4 or 5 of the first 6. Distance management will be key in this clash of titans. Beterbiev’s injury could greatly hinder his preparation, and his inactivity over the last 30 months, with only two fights—one in January 2024 and one in January 2023—will be decisive factors.
Bivol will be the new unified champion, and a rematch will be announced in the coming months with a purse worth mentioning.”
My Conclusion and Prediction
The magic of this fight lies in the contrast between each boxer’s style. Bivol’s footwork and defensive technique show that he has no desire to be hit or engage in a slugfest. One could even argue that Bivol possesses the speed and movement necessary to frustrate the pressure and pace Beterbiev will try to impose.
However, if Beterbiev manages to trap Dmitry Bivol or surprise him by landing a punch over one of his counters, it will become clear that he doesn’t need many punches to ‘close the show.’
**My Prediction:** 114-113 in favor of Artur Beterbiev. Bivol will be knocked down once, and that will be what costs him the fight in the eyes of the judges.
