Few would argue that Artur Beterbiev versus Dmitry Bivol is one of the best match ups in boxing.
The fight in Saudi Arabia this Saturday, October 12, is an intriguing clash of styles between two undefeated fighters.
Bivol is the stylist, the man with the fast feet, the traditional stand-up European style, who moves in and out quickly to deliver sharp jabs and one-twos and then gets out of danger, all while maintaining slick defences and never taking too many risks.
That way of operating has seen him beat all comers including the likes of Lyndon Arthur, Gilberto Ramirez, Craig Richards, and most famously Canelo Alvarez, who he beat back in 2022 on points, becoming only the second man to do so.
Beterbiev is a notorious puncher. He has stopped all 20 of his opponents inside the distance on his way to becoming unified champion.
One of those men is former WBC 175lb champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk. He fought Beterbiev back in 2019 and was stopped in round 10.
Speaking to Round Eight Boxing he had some advice for Bivol ahead of the undisputed fight.
“Just don’t let him punch you and work your a** hard. Run away, because it’s not a good idea to stay near the ropes against him.”
He was then asked if Bivol should fight fire with fire.
“I think it’s a good option for fans, but not for Bivol.”
It was put to him that Beterbiev might have slowed down in the ring as he now approaches 40.
“It might be the case but i still think he’s a really disciplined fighter and has really taken care of him self well so even at 40 years old he has kept a great condition to fight at the top level.”
Finally, Gvozdyk predicted Beterbiev will bring Bivol ‘lots of trouble’ and come out victorious come fight night.
“I don’t believe Bivol will be able to keep Beterbiev away with his jab because this guy is strong and his power neutralises a lot of your good skills. In this case I think it’s going to be very har to keep Beterbiev away, I think he will come close and bring him a lot of trouble, so Beterbiev is my favourite.
