Sometimes a fight is so big you feel blessed to be a fan and that’s most definitely the case with the thunderous collision between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, who vie for the undisputed light heavyweight championship on October 12 in Riyadh. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by ESPN+ in the U.S.
Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) is the IBF, WBC and WBO titleholder. The Russian power puncher is the only reigning champion in boxing with a 100-percent knockout ratio and he’s one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world today. Among his signature wins are Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Joe Smith Jr. and Callum Smith.
WATCH: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, exclusively on ESPN+
Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) is the WBA titleholder and a pound-for-pound entrant himself. One of the finest technicians in the sport, the California-based Russian came of age in May 2022 when he thoroughly outclassed Mexican boxing legend Canelo Alvarez. His other notable victories have come against Smith Jr., Jean Pascal and Zurdo Ramirez.
The Sporting News takes a look at the odds for this undisputed light heavyweight title fight and makes a final prediction on the outcome.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol odds, betting
Per BetMGM, Bivol is the -140 favorite while Beterbiev is the +120 underdog. The draw is +1800.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol prediction
After Bivol stood Zurdo on his head, the pick was Bivol. After Beterbiev destroyed Callum Smith, the pick was Beterbiev. It's one of those fights where you just can't be sure what'll happen.
Beterbiev is a magnificent offensive force who causes damage with every punch he lands. Such is the ferocity and intensity of his attack that his skills and judgment of distance are largely ignored. The unified champ is a brilliant boxer who knows how to set up the bombs and he’s frequently looked unbeatable.
Bivol is a master craftsman and one of the best pure boxers in the world. The wins over Canelo and Zurdo were a testament to his overall quality and ring IQ. The odds are against him scoring a knockout, but he has the requisite skills to outbox any light heavyweight and the engine to do that over the distance.
He’ll need a chin, but, ultimately, I've decided to roll with Bivol because he's fresher and harder to nail cleanly. Beterbiev's body seems to be breaking up on him a little and he turns 40 years old in January while Bivol is still in his prime at 33.
I don't care if I'm right or wrong. All I want is an undisputed light heavyweight title fight that conjures up memories of the division's glory years.
SN Prediction: Bivol UD 12 (+110)
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