Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol prediction: Picking the winner for boxing's undisputed light heavyweight championship
The Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol prediction is here to provide technical insight into next weekend's marquee boxing match. The two men cross swords over the undisputed light heavyweight championship, with Beterbiev determined to cement himself as the sport's most destructive force.
Meanwhile, Bivol is intent on slaying the beast and breaking Beterbiev's flawless knockout record, and there is good reason to favor him. However, the overpowering Dagestani is likely to remain unbeaten with one more knockout on his record on Oct. 12.
But what of the other matchups?
#1 Undisputed light heavyweight title: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol is a battle of divisional supremacy. The former will step into the ring as the unified light heavyweight champion, with the only belt not in his possession being the WBA strap held by Bivol. Both men are undefeated, with Beterbiev 20-0 and Bivol 23-0. Yet, they couldn't be more different.
Beterbiev is a crushing power-puncher who has stopped everyone standing in his path. Meanwhile, Bivol is a slick defensive master who manages distance like no other. From a strategic standpoint, Bivol will have to work hard, as will Beterbiev, who will have no choice but to cut off the ring.
Whether Beterbiev can do so effectively and without debilitating pain following a meniscus rupture in his knee is an open question. If he can't, he'll be seriously hampered come fight night. However, if it is the Beterbiev of old, there will be much to fear, as he is not one-shot knockout artist.
Instead, he systematically breaks his opponent down, punishing the body and rocking them with even glancing blows. Moreover, he has a sharp eye for openings, catching his foe with stunning counterpunches as he backs them up.
Bivol, on the other hand, moves in and out, boxing at range. He has exceptional lateral movement, a crisp jab, and quick feet, such that even Canelo Alvarez looked poor against him. That being said, he lacks the power to earn Beterbiev's respect.
The first few rounds will be cagey, with Beterbiev realizing Bivol can't hurt him and will subsequently commit to walking him down.
The Prediction: Artur Beterbiev via late TKO
#2 The rest of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol winners
Winners in bold.
Middleweight: Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta
British heavyweight title: Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clark
IBF cruiserweight title: Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey
Light heavyweight: Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron
WBC women's featherweight title: Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman
Lightweight: Mohammed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez