AS a chaotic fight week in Riyadh has already seen two fights require last-minute opponent changes, the main event rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol is a bout that feels irreplaceable on a card dubbed the best in the history of the sport by some.
The two light-heavyweight pound-for-pound stars do battle again on Saturday night after their closely contested affair last October, with Beterbiev, 21-0 (20 KOs), being crowned undisputed king via majority decision. The Russian-Canadian became the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion in the four-belt era and puts all the accolades at 175lb on the line this weekend.
40-year-old Beterbiev, while hitting the tail-end of his professional career, offers fight fans a fan-friendly, bullish style – with the sole intention of hurting his opponents. Bivol, 23-1 (12 KOs), was the first man to withstand the ferocious power of Beterbiev, taking him the full 12 rounds for the time in his career.
Beterbiev’s run to undisputed glory was exceptional, walking through the divisions best time and time again. He picked up the IBF strap against Enrico Koelling back in 2017 before endeavouring on a devastating eight-fight run, leading up to his matchup with Bivol, picking up the WBC and WBO titles along the way against Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Joe Smith Jr respectively.
The light-heavyweight king has been troubled, however. Jeff Page Jr dropped Beterbiev in round one of their fight before the Russian-Canadian returned the favour, dropping Page Jr three times and subsequently stopping him in the second round.
Arguably, the most trouble he’s ever been in was against Callum Johnson, who dropped Beterbiev heavily in round two of their IBF title clash, but again the brutal knockout artist Beterbiev recovered and found the stoppage just two rounds later.
Bivol is yet to touch the canvas as a professional, despite going a full 12 rounds with the 175lb division’s biggest puncher. The former WBA light-heavyweight champion made 11 defences of his prized black and gold belt and shot himself to star status when he outpointed Canelo Alvarez two years ago in a masterful performance.
The 34-year-old Bivol somewhat transitioned from a dangerous puncher in the early parts of his career to a more laid-back boxer who is more than comfortable boxing his way to a decision.
After stopping Sullivan Barrera in round 12 of their WBA title fight in 2018, Bivol went six years without a stoppage before eventually putting on a destructive display against Malik Zinad last year, who didn’t see the end of round four.
When Bivol clashed with Beterbiev last year, it was a technical, high-level bout decided by the thinnest of margins. Whilst Bivol aimed to control the distance with disciplined footwork, Beterbiev maintained his consistent come-forward style throughout the fight.
Bivol’s sharp counterpunching was a real difference-maker. However, the more telling and eye-catching shots came from Beterbiev, who relentlessly marched towards his Russian counterpart, putting him under constant mental and physical pressure.
The last three rounds were very important for Beterbiev, who clearly won all three and ultimately swung the fight in his favour on the judges’ scorecards.
This time around, the styles are expected to be the same, however, you’d predict both fighters to make small adjustments in order to secure a more definitive victory. For Beterbiev, he confirmed this week that the knee injury that caused the first fight to be rescheduled is no longer a problem, so his preparations will have been better than before.
Now challenger Bivol may need to plant his feet and trade with the champion in order to switch things up stylistically from their first fight. Although, that favours Beterbiev, who will fancy his chances in a shootout against anyone in the 175lb division.
Whether repeat or revenge, boxing fans are in for a treat on Saturday night. Although, if Bivol makes the necessary adjustments and is crowned undisputed king, do not rule out a trilogy between the two greats of the modern era.
Full Card Previews Below
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole
12 x 3 minute rounds – IBF World Heavyweight Title
Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Israil Madrimov
12 x 3 minute rounds – WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title
Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel
12 x 3 minute rounds – WBC Interim Heavyweight Title
Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith
12 x 3 minute rounds – WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Title
