Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Predictions: The two light heavyweight greats run it back

Artur Beterbiev will defend the undisputed light heavyweight championship in a rematch against Dmitry Bivol this Saturday, February 22. The bout headlines a gigantic card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event will be broadcast across all of the UK’s major boxing providers; DAZN PPV, Sky Sports Box Office and TNT Sports Box Office. 

Here are my Beterbiev vs Bivol predictions ahead of this blockbuster rematch.

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Odds

Beterbiev is 4/5 to beat Bivol for the second time. He is a narrow favourite because of how close the first fight was. Equally, Bivol is 11/10 due to his excellent performance in their initial meeting. The draw is priced at 14/1. I will not be tipping it specifically, but considering how well-matched these two are, that might be worth a punt.

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Fight Preview

The first fight was seismic. A meeting of the light heavyweight class’ two unbeaten, long-reigning world champions. They fought to determine the first undisputed 175lb ruler since Roy Jones Jr two decades ago. 

The bout lived up to the generational hype. It was a masterclass of technique and talent. Two men who had never met an opponent who could beat them before, each dealing with unprecedented jeopardy in real time. The creeping realisation they were in imminent danger pushing each man to the peak of their powers. 

Beterbiev edged this elite war, taking a majority decision on the cards. Many felt it could have gone the other way, but few were screaming “robbery!”. It was more a case of two men putting on simultaneous winning performances. Steel sharpening steel in the sort of display that keeps us all coming back to this unique sport.

The only solution was the one we have ended up with. The action was thrilling enough to warrant a rematch and the cards were close enough to demand one. Thankfully, unlike with Oleksandr Usyk and his IBF strap, the sanctioning bodies were smart enough to leave all four belts around Beterbiev’s waist for this return fight. In truth, they could be fighting over a piece of rope and this fight would still determine the best light heavyweight on the planet. 

It will be interesting to see what changes this time. Will Bivol try and course-correct, changing his strategy to try and take the W? Beterbiev does not seem like the sort to rest on his laurels. Rather, will he go more aggressive, as he has in the past, knowing Bivol will be better? It is fascinating to try and second-guess these two grandmasters. 

The similarities and differences will shape this fight you feel. Bivol used his customary hand-speed in the first fight, but did so while setting his feet and throwing more power shots than usual. Will Beterbiev use the fact that he took his opponent’s best punches as encouragement to go to war a bit more?

Beterbiev came forward, but threw caution to the wind less than he does against weaker challengers. Let’s face it, every challenger is weaker than Bivol. Now that he has worn Bivol’s punches on his jaw like a badge of pride, perhaps he will be more free-flowing in his own output.

Truly it is a fool’s errand trying to tell these two all-time greats how to go about their job. One is simply drawn to speculate on the adjustments each may make. But the boxing IQs on display make such a task difficult. These men could unleash strategies with a depth of thought beyond all but the most decorated champions.

Rematches happen for all kinds of reasons. Contract clauses are becoming a modern favourite. But by any metric, this fight deserved a second go. The action in the first was impeccable. Bivol had won 23 fights going in, including a signature victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. Bivol had knocked out every fighter he had ever faced. But in each other they each found the rival they had been seeking. 

Beterbiev has the power, but he could not knock out Bivol. The challenger has the speed, but even his lightning-fast, educated combos could not snag the decision. Whether we get more of the same or a rematch with a different feel, this one will be absolutely enthralling to watch. People are calling this the greatest boxing card of all time. I cannot think of a better fight to headline such an event. 

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Full Card

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Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Prediction

I think a deciding factor here could be the toll the first fight has taken out of both. Beterbiev is 40 years of age, six years Bivol’s senior. He took some brutal shots in that first fight. Due to his style, more aggressive and power-oriented than Bivol’s technical excellence, the Russian has been in some very hard fights.

Wars with the likes of Anthony Yarde and Marcus Browne won’t have helped either. Beterbiev has more miles on the clock than Bivol, despite having had three less fights.

I think that wear and tear, combined with Bivol’s incredible speed and punch-picking, will see the challenger prevail. I foresee another close encounter, with perhaps just a round separating the men. But my pick is Bivol to win on points at 6/4.

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