The anticipation leading up to the first showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was palpable. Boxing enthusiasts were eager to finally see who would claim the title of the light heavyweight division’s ultimate champion. Both fighters came into the bout with undefeated records, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Predicting the victor was anybody’s guess, given how evenly matched these two titans were. Thankfully, the fight lived up to its lofty expectations. For the initial four rounds, Bivol showcased his impressive boxing skills, expertly maneuvering as Beterbiev tirelessly pursued him. Then, the tide began to turn.
Despite Bivol’s strategic prowess, Beterbiev soon found opportunities to land his powerful punches. The fight remained fiercely contested, with Beterbiev even managing to push Bivol back briefly. It was undeniably a close contest. The judges ultimately awarded Beterbiev a majority decision victory, leaving Bivol narrowly missing out on the triumph—at least officially. Some were left questioning the outcome. “Defense loses you fights,” remarked former world champion and commentator Chris Algieri, as reported by Boxing Insider, suggesting that judges tend to favor aggression over defensive skill. Whether or not Algieri hit the mark, one thing was clear: the verdict was a clarion call for a rematch.
That much-anticipated rematch is set for Saturday in Saudi Arabia. As the centerpiece of an action-packed lineup, Beterbiev-Bivol 2 aims to finally settle the score between these two future Hall of Famers. While the second bout may mirror aspects of the first, some key differences are expected. Beterbiev, having started slowly in their initial encounter, might come out swinging from the get-go to secure an early advantage.
Conversely, Bivol will likely emphasize avoiding Beterbiev’s punches this time around. His initial performance was impressive—if he can extend his defensive mastery by just a bit more, it could change the game’s outcome. This time, every move and every second in the ring will be critical in this metaphorical “battle of inches.” So, who stands to win? As Algieri pointed out, the aggressive fighter often receives favorable judging. If that trend continues, Bivol must elevate his game to a near-legendary level to sway the judges to his side—and he just might be capable of doing so.
Prediction: Bivol by split decision. Brace yourself for what could be a thrilling Beterbiev-Bivol trilogy.
