Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev will struggle tonight for the undisputed gentle heavyweight championship on the Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The struggle is seen because the boxer vs. the puncher, nevertheless it’s actually two boxer-punchers going at it to find out who the highest canine is within the 175-lb division.
WBA gentle heavyweight champion Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) has the velocity, mobility and the youth benefit. Age may play an element on this struggle for the 39-year-old Beterbiev as a result of he’s coming off proper knee surgical procedure earlier this yr. But when he performs on the degree he did on January thirteenth in opposition to Callum Smith, Bivol will likely be in hassle. Beterbiev didn’t look outdated in that struggle.
Tonight’s Beterbiev-Bivol struggle will likely be proven dwell on ESPN+ at 6 p.m ET/3 p.m. PT.
“I just like the Eddie Hearn vs. Artur Beterbiev rivalry. Hearn is aware of the sport, and he received individuals . He received beneath Beterbiev’s pores and skin just a little bit, and he confirmed us some venom,” mentioned commentator Todd Grisham to Prime Rank Boxing.
“Has Eddie Hearn rattled him? Has he received beneath his pores and skin?” mentioned Dev Sahni of Queensberry Promotions.
Beterbiev didn’t look indignant when he questioned Hearn about why he was speaking a lot about him in the course of the closing press convention. He appeared extra irritated than something. Hearn does this type of stuff usually, making an attempt to upset fighters who’re competing in opposition to his guys. He’s doing it to assist them, not solely to create curiosity from followers.
“I believe Beterbiev’s group has been bristling just a little bit on the notion that is the boxer vs. the brawler,” mentioned journalist Chris Mannix. “We all know Bivol is a really proficient boxer, however Beterbiev’s group is true. He’s an elite boxer in his personal proper. He’s a two-time Olympian. He has a complete bunch of novice medals.”
Followers see Beterbiev’s 20-0 report with 20 knockouts, they usually naturally assume that he’s a brawler, which he’s. Beterbiev can field at occasions, nevertheless it’s a way to an finish. He does that to set his opponents up for giant energy photographs to knock them out.
“He’ll contact you. He’ll throw 4 and five-punch mixtures with regularity. There’s loads of boxing abilities inside Artur Beterbiev. On the identical time, I do suppose the 12 knockouts on Bivol’s resume are just a little bit deceptive.
“I do suppose he has extra energy than these 12 knockouts recommend. Bivol is the kind of man that rises to the extent of his competitors.”
Bivol has good energy, however he hardly ever makes use of it as a result of his focus is all the time on throwing fast mixtures after which shifting away. He doesn’t set his ft to load up on his punches. In Bivol’s final struggle in opposition to Malik Zinad, he unleashed a flurry, touchdown 18 consecutive headshots to get a referee stoppage within the sixth spherical on June 1st. Bivol wanted to throw numerous punches to get the knockout.
“Each of those guys are two examples of Japanese European types the place you maximize your pure and your bodily potential,” mentioned coach Andy Lee about Bivol and Beterbiev. “What I’m taking a look at within the fighters is can Beterbiev drive him to return and retreat. Can he get him on the ropes? What can he do as soon as he will get him there?”
Bivol will retreat if Beterbiev comes ahead as a result of that’s how he all the time fights. Bivol tends to offer floor when pushed by highly effective punchers, as he doesn’t need to get hit. What will likely be attention-grabbing to see is what Bivol will do when he runs out of actual property and is caught by Beterbiev. Will he struggle or maintain?
“With Bivol, I’m seeking to see if he can maintain his fingers up. Can he punch and make Beterbiev miss after which counter off that?” mentioned Lee.
