Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to clash for the second time in their highly anticipated rematch on February 22.
The light heavyweight stars met in their first bout last October, contesting the undisputed championship for the first time in the ‘four belt’ era.
After a very cagey 12-round affair, Beterbiev was declared the winner to unify the WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF titles at 175lbs, with two of the three judges scoring it in favour of the 40-year-old.
One man who has given his insight into the upcoming showdown is Callum Smith, who is a former opponent of both.
The 34-year-old from Liverpool, England was defeated by Bivol during his amateur career, then went on to face Beterbiev in January 2024 where he suffered a seventh round knockout defeat in his challenge of the WBC, WBO and IBF titles.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Smith gave plaudits to both fighters but leaned towards Bivol who he believes is the ‘younger and fresher’ of the pair.
“They’re both very, very good fighters, I think that showed in the first fight it was very hard to split them.
“I seen a lot favoured Beterbiev, a lot favoured Bivol, a draw probably a fair result but I don’t know I just think second time around they obviously know each other well, I just don’t know if the time keeps going on it favours Bivol a little bit more – he’s younger, he’s fresher.
Beterbiev, we keep saying it, but he can’t keep just going on. That last fight was the toughest of his career. It’ll be interesting to see how much that has taken out of him. Is he finally gonna look his age? I don’t know … it’s going to be another really close fight and tough to pick but if I have to side with one I’d side with Bivol this time.”
Bivol, who suffered the first defeat of his impressive career against Beterbiev, will be seeking revenge against his light heavyweight rival on February 22, which could eventually set up a huge trilogy contest between the pound-for-pound stars.
