Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev battle for supremacy in light heavyweight division

The B Boys have a lot in common.

Both are in their 30s, originally from Russia, undefeated and world champions.

They’ve been titleholders for seven years.

Each is complimentary of the other’s boxing ability.

“Dmitry Bivol is an incredible fighter and a master technician,” said Beterbiev to boxing247.com two weeks ago.”

“He’s (Beterbiev) a great fighter, a good puncher, and has good technique,” Bivol said about Beterbiev.

The chatter began several years ago as both dominated opponents.

Who would win if they ever fought?

That day will be here on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as they fight for all the marbles in the light heavyweight division.

It’s slick versus slugger. Bivol, a slight favorite, is a fluid fighter – who finds his range and boxes intelligently. Beterbiev is power, with 20 knockouts in 20 wins. He pursues his opponent like a paid assassin.

Bivol boxed the ears of Canelo Álvarez in 2022. Beterbiev roughed up Callum Smith in his last outing, winning inside eight rounds. The power man can box as well.

Hall of Famer Roy Jones gives the edge to Bivol.

“Beterbiev gives a good punch, but I don’t know if he takes a good punch,” said Jones to DAZN. “He’s been down 2 or 3 times in only 17 fights. He has 20 now, but if you’ve been down 3 times in 20 fights, there’s a problem somewhere. I think Bivol has the advantage, and I will go Bivol.”

Interesting. Beterbiev has been down twice in his career, the last time five years ago against Callum Johnson. He recovered quickly, got up, and, as he has done in all his fights, knocked his opponent out.

Terence Crawford sees the fight a little differently than Jones.

“If I had to pick one, I’d pick Bivol – because of his boxing skills,” Crawford told pro-boxingfans.com.

Heavyweight Joseph Parker agrees with Crawford.

“I favor Bivol as well,” Parker said. “I feel like he’s more precise with his punches and [has] good footwork.”

Respected trainer Stephen “Breadman” Edwards disagrees with Crawford.

“If you ask me who I favor,” said Edwards.”I favor Beterbiev to defeat Bivol. I know most of the time, the boxer wins this fight, but I like Beterbiev. There are some things that I’ve seen, I just don’t think he can overcome that. Bivol, you have to have a special level of durability to overcome what’s going on with Beterbiev.”

Injuries and age could be an issue for Beterbiev. Last June he suffered a torn meniscus – delaying his fight against Bivol. He also appeared sluggish at times against Anthony Yarde. Then again, his opponent could have had something to do with it.

Bivol ended a dubious streak of not winning a fight by a knockout in his last bout.

He’s been hurt late in fights – something he won’t want to encounter against Beterbiev. He’ll have to maintain control and avoid Beterbiev’s incoming shots. I see him doing that for most of the fight.

The later rounds could tell the story of who ultimately wins.