I don’t think Bivol will be able to keep Beterbiev off.

[deathofaclown]

Bivol does take/block a lot of punches on the gloves though. He isn’t really that elusive, like a Mayweather, Whitaker etc. He relies more on his guard to block and parry punches.

I could be wrong but I’m very confident Beterbiev stops him.

Well let's hope we find out, I'm sure it'll happen next.

I still think Bivol's in and out style and distance control gives Beterbiev problems, especially with Bivol's quick hands. Bivol doesn't look for knockouts but even fighters with good chins have felt enough power to not try to walk through him, so he obviously isnt throwing tippy tap shots. That becomes even harder to try to walk through then the shots come in fast and quick combinations, rather than single shots like Smith.

That's why I think Beterbiev won't be able to walk Bivol down easily at all. Firstly you have to deal with that masterful distance control. Then the quick hands that are clearly hard enough to keep anyone rushing in.

Add the fact in Bivol is statistically both the most accurate and best defensive boxer, I just don't see Beterbiev being able to walk him down with the same ease he does without eating plenty himself. Beterbiev can sometimes get eager and come over the front foot in the past, not ideal when someone controls distance like Bivol.

Not to mention Bivol has ridiculous stamina and makes you work when you don't want. Beterbiev is 39, he was taking breathers in there last night around the 5th and 6th round for sure and that's when he was working at his own pace, so he could. It was OK last night because Smith was happy Beterbiev was taking a breather. Bivol won't let you and that's what's exhausting.

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Well let's hope we find out, I'm sure it'll happen next.

I still think Bivol's in and out style and distance control gives Beterbiev problems, especially with Bivol's quick hands. Bivol doesn't look for knockouts but even fighters with good chins have felt enough power to not try to walk through him, so he obviously isnt throwing tippy tap shots. That becomes even harder to try to walk through then the shots come in fast and quick combinations, rather than single shots like Smith.

That's why I think Beterbiev won't be able to walk Bivol down easily at all. Firstly you have to deal with that masterful distance control. Then the quick hands that are clearly hard enough to keep anyone rushing in.

Add the fact in Bivol is statistically both the most accurate and best defensive boxer, I just don't see Beterbiev being able to walk him down with the same ease he does without eating plenty himself. Beterbiev can sometimes get eager and come over the front foot in the past, not ideal when someone controls distance like Bivol.

Not to mention Bivol has ridiculous stamina and makes you work when you don't want. Beterbiev is 39, he was taking breathers in there last night around the 5th and 6th round for sure and that's when he was working at his own pace, so he could. It was OK last night because Smith was happy Beterbiev was taking a breather. Bivol won't let you and that's what's exhausting.

Bivol is far from feather fisted, but I just get the impression that Beterbiev is one of these Hagler type savages who can go into seek and destroy mode.

I also think Beterbiev has really good feet too, I think he cuts the ring off really effectively. I’m by no means saying Bivol can’t win but I would be surprised if he does.

As you say, let’s hope it happens next, whilst Beterbiev is still performing at a very high level, I think it will too tbh. Bivol has reportedly signed his side of the deal, the Saudi’s want to make it happen and there’s no bigger/better fights out there for Beterbiev, so I’m assuming he’ll sign his side of the deal in the coming days/weeks.

[_Rexy_]

beterbiev had a better amateur record than bivol. He knows the in n out soviet school of system. He just chooses instead to ko his opponents. Bivol is getting stopped.

This is something I've been saying for a while. Beterbiev grew up around the soviet pendulum, which Bivol is an absolute master of. But how many fighters in the Soviet System did Bivol grow up with? They both have 300+ Amateur fights.

[HandsofIron]

Bivol doesn't hit as hard as either of them

Maybe, but they don't posses the technical abilities that Bivol has.

Also, I was mostly adding that Beterbiev still recklessly rushes in and overcommits on his punches. Bivol will see that miles away and counter accordingly.

[JakeTheBoxer]

I love how people here underrate Bivol over and over again.

First it was Canelo expected to stop him easily. Than Ramirez. Now it is beterbiev.

When Bivol beats him you will probably find some cruiserweight champ and say Bivol must fight him.

[_Rexy_]

Maybe, but they don't posses the technical abilities that Bivol has.

Also, I was mostly adding that Beterbiev still recklessly rushes in and overcommits on his punches. Bivol will see that miles away and counter accordingly.

If Artur takes one to land one all fight, he’ll win by stoppage

[HandsofIron]

If Artur takes one to land one all fight, he’ll win by stoppage

If Bivol gets overconfident that can happen.

[4truth]

If Artur takes one to land one all fight, he’ll win by stoppage

That isn't an offer likely to be offered. Bivol's legs and his guard cannot fail or he is lost. I give him about a 50/50 shot of playing effective defense for 12.

[crimsonfalcon07]

Crazy takes in here IMO. From what I saw last night, Bivol is going to piece Beterbiev up. Look how poorly Beterbiev reacted when someone was actually punching at him. He only was able to generate offense when Smith literally LET him walk him to the ropes. Bivol has a constant jab, and he's in and out. We didn't see a single slip entry from Beterbiev. He'll try to counter over the top, but Bivol is way faster and more defensively responsible than Smith. Not as much power, but easily enough to take what's likely to be a wide decision. Bivol has the best ring awareness of any active boxer. It's nearly impossible to drive him to the ropes unless he wants you to, and he can step to and drive his guy back also, and those are both really bad for the Beterbiev we saw last night. Beterbiev gets his work done after he walks his guy down, and Bivol's one of the hardest to walk down in the whole sport. His only competition is Shakur, and he's way more offensively minded than Stevenson.

[HeadShots]

Callum was a favourable style match up.

low activity. Slow. One punch at a time and slow feet (leads to laying on the ropes)


it was a perfect style matchup for Beter