Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev: The Battle for Light Heavyweight

If there is such a thing as a super fight in the world of boxing, then the matchup between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is one of the most eagerly awaited in recent times. This match is scheduled for October 12th and will be a part of the boxing event that will be held in the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, through which a clear Light Heavyweight champion will be crowned.

WBA title-holder Dmitry Bivol well known for his prolific boxing skills, is to fight Beterbiev, the KO specialist with a spotless record. Leading up to the fight date, fans and analysts wait to see how Bivol will strategize against one of the most dangerous competitors.

Dmitry Bivol’s Strengths and Challenges

Dmitry Bivol, the WBA 175-pound titlist with a record of 23-0 and 12 knockouts, is more of a technician than a puncher. However, his opponent, Beterbiev, is a tough-looking, hard-punching knockout artist, with a record 20-0 (20 KOs), while Bivol is more slick and mobile. For him to win, he must keep Beterbiev at a distance and at the same time, avoid getting on the receiving end of Beterbiev’s dangerous punches. Since he fights the division above as a true super middleweight, he has a problem with Beterbiev’s weight and strength.

Dmitry Bivol’s performance has attracted criticism after the last December fight against Lyndon Arthur where the fighter was notably stunned and almost knocked out. If Arthur had not been immobile or rather, had been more mobile, there could have been a difference. What becomes noticeable with him is that he has a way of picking points gradually without knocking his opponents out, this presents a big problem when it is to face Beterbiev who has the power to end a fight in a single shot.

Tactical Concerns

In his last fights, Dmitry Bivol was pulled to the ropes, which could be costly in this fight, such as in the match against Malik Zinad, Lyndon Arthur, Gilberto Ramirez, and Canelo Alvarez. Beterbiev stated that he was dangerous to those who have been cornered or trapped and this has been evident when facing Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, Marcus Browne, and Joe Smith Jr. Bivol’s defensive style might proved him to be vulnerable against Beterbiev’s strong punches.

Preparation and Strategy

To reduce these risks, Bivol is actively training to improve his power to make Beterbiev think about further attempts to apply pressure. But this is easier said than done given the facts that Beterbiev has been stopping his recent opponents with noticeable punching prowess on his resume such as Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith. Depending on his capacity to evolve in his approach, improve his power, and keep his technique to defy one of the hardest punchers at 175 lbs, he will define his success.

This fight is going to be close in focus focusing on how he will change something and how he will be able to somehow negate the power of Beterbiev.