The Last Crescendo: Beterbiev v Bivol 2 Preview And Prediction

Artur Beterbiev (1.80) v Dmitry Bivol (2.10) (Undisputed World Light Heavyweight Championship)

When: Sunday, February 23, 1:15 AM

Four months ago, at the very same venue, these two titans – both undefeated at the time – met to crown the first 175-pound undisputed champion in the modern four-belt era.

The dream fight proved to be every bit as closely contested and absorbing as was expected, with Beterbiev showing off his power and Bivol his technical prowess. After 12 thrilling rounds, it went to the judges who gave Beterbiev the nod by majority decision.

He’d become the first man to beat Bivol, while Bivol stood as the first man to go the distance with the Dagestani destroyer. The boxing world was split as to who’d actually won the fight. In truth, neither man did enough to definitively separate himself from the other, and so, they’ll meet again in a rematch that could be even better than the first fight.

Having gone the distance for the first time in his professional career, against a technical wizard at that, Beterbiev now knows he has the gas tank to make it to the promised land if a 36-minute journey is what it’ll take. He’s also now aware that he could exert even more power and hold nothing back in pursuit of a rivalry-ending triumph.

On the flip side, Bivol – who fought with the sophistication and poise that have served him so well over the years – knows he needs to do more to get the judges on his side this time around. Again, many thought he’d won the opening act, but the decision proved he’ll have to up the energy and volume if he wants to bounce back.

As the victor of their maiden meeting, Beterbiev is the slight favourite going into the sequel. As the power puncher of the two, Beterbiev essentially beat Bivol at his own game to improve to 21-0 with 20 knockouts, which will give him a world of confidence.

Russia’s Bivol, whose record now stands at 23-1 with 12 knockouts, is not likely to stop the champion, whereas Beterbiev has the power to close the show if he connects clean. I don’t see that happening, but it does give him more ways to win in theory.

Ultimately, it’s up to Bivol to change the complexion of the fight. Beterbiev can under no circumstances rest on his laurels but he does have the champion’s advantage. Couple that with his power advantage and the technical chops he showed in the first fight and he should win on the scorecards again. 

Prediction: Beterbiev by decision.
Best Bet: Beterbiev by decision at 3.75.
Alternative Bet: Beterbiev at 1.80.