Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev are finally set to face off for the undisputed light heavyweight championship following years of boxing politics standing in the way.
It’s a small delay for a fight fans have been demanding for years, the result being the first undisputed 175 champion since Roy Jones Jr over two decades ago.
Both fighters have worked their way through the division to prove without doubt that they are the top dogs. Bivol has defeated the likes of Craig Richards, Joe Smith Jr, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Lyndon Arthur last year.
Although Arthur hasn’t fought Beterbiev in a pro contest, he has had plenty of sparring round with him in the gym. He told Seconds Out that he believes the unified champion has what it takes to win.
“The older Beterbiev gets, the more chance you’ve got of beating him. If anyone’s gonna do it it’s gonna be Bivol. I don’t know man, I look forward to that fight. I’m 50/50, but I do believe Beterbiev will win as long as he can keep as he’s been keeping in his latest fights.”
Asked what former opponent Bivol must do, Arthur wasn’t confident of his chances due to a lack of power.
“I honestly don’t think he hits hard enough to keep Beterbiev off, but only time will tell.”
Beterbiev is the only active world champion to have won every single bout by knockout, whereas Bivol’s style is more focused on movement and smart shot selection to win over the distance.
The intriguing clash will be broadcast on DAZN and TNT Sports Box Office.
