There is likely no other fight in 2024 that will excite boxing purists like the Light Heavyweight unification bout between Dimitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. It’s a classic manifestation of boxing’s addictive tropes at the highest level: the elegant mobile boxer against the relentless, destructive puncher. But both fighters have dimensions that will likely see them transcend those labels; Bivol is more capable of efficient and accurate aggression than often given credit for, and Beterbiev’s ring generalship & savvy combinations show a mastery far beyond that of a brute puncher. The fact that neither man has ever lost only adds to the intrigue and mystery of how this fight might play out. We asked our forum posters to describe how they think the fight will play out:
Shadowboxer
Bivol ahead on the cards until Beterbiev lands a shot that turns the tide. Stoppage for Beterbiev somewhere between rounds 8 – 10.
Davie
Bivol wins it on points I reckon, a bit to savvy to get caught by Beterbievs big shots. Beterbiev an underrated boxer but he’s not quite Bivol levels.
Eddie Warren
I have already predicted Beterbiev to win. Now the fight is drawing close I can see this playing out similar to how Crawford vs Spence went down. Maybe Bivol can replicate what Crawford did to his supposed biggest test. Heart wants Beterbiev by KO, head says Bivol by decision. I’m sticking with Beterbiev by brutal KO.
Glove_Game
I’ve thought Bivol the entire time and the closer the fight gets the more confident I feel. Beterbiev gradually breaks his opponents but I’m betting on Bivol having more grit and mettle than people may think, he’s also not going to get hit consistently so that he breaks down. There will be moments in this fight where Bivol uses Beterbievs head as a speed bag, when he fires off his rapid combinations I expect to see Biev’s head snapped back often.
Bricktopspig
Bivol will box well for as long as it lasts but will feel every shot from Beterbiev and eventually fall. Beterbiev TKO in 7/8.
Watts
Bivol just keeps moving and Beterbiev’s leg falls off in the 8th. Despite this he still chases Bivol around like the legless Terminator at the end of the first movie only to lose by a majority decision.
Twelvey
I normally lean towards the boxer in these kind of stylistic match ups but Beterbiev’s power is something else and his pressure is educated enough to see him land big shots. Beterbiev KO middle rounds.
Tangerine
Bivol controls the early rounds with movement and distance.As Bivol begins to slow midway it brings Beterbiev into the fight forcing Bivol to engage more than he would like. As the fight turns into Beterbiev’s favour Bivol cannot find the shots to deter him and gain his respect.Beterbiev takes more risks coming forwards and stops Bivol mid to late rounds. The talk of Beterbiev slowing down in his later years will be put to rest when they see how well he still covers the distance and his knee injury has not been a factor at all.
Trippy
Bivol’s domination of Canelo and Zurdo back to back are something I just can’t overlook when it comes to stacking up who’s the better fighter here. An elite boxer usually negates an elite puncher. Bivol will force a late accumalative stoppage I think.
Strike
Bivol outboxes him for most but is hurt a few times, dropped late but rallies and goes the distance to win a clear but close decision.
SJS
Beterbiev can box with Bivol. Bivol cannot punch with Beterbiev. That’s the difference. I think Beterbiev will surprise people with his craft , and he’ll be the clear winner.
JeffJ
Bivol will be ahead on the scorecards when this one ends. Whether that means a Bivol decision or Beterbiev late round stoppage remains to be seen.
Dirty Dan
About 2 years ago Yarde started to make Beterbiev look more human than he had previously, even though it didn’t end well for Yarde. Very few remain invincible forever and Bivol might be catching Beterbiev at just the right moment in time here. Bivol to approach Beterbiev in the same calculated, efficient manner he did against Canelo, relying on the jab to both accumulate points and setup combinations. Beterbiev will land heavily at times and have his moments and Bivol might even taste the canvas but Bivol to take it to the cards and be the one with his arm raised when the dust settles.
