The light heavyweight title will be unified when Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev face off in a clash seven years in the making this Saturday at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Beterbeiv has been outshined by Bivol due to the latter’s recent high-profile fights, but see why I believe Beterbiev will finally get his due in this battle of undefeated champions.
Here are my best free betting picks and Beterbiev vs. Bivol predictions for October 12.
Beterbiev vs Bivol prediction and pick
- My fight prediction
Beterbiev moneyline (+120 at DraftKings) - My best bet
Beterbiev moneyline (+120 at DraftKings)
Fight analysis
Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev both won their world titles seven years ago, and while they have been in each other’s orbit for quite some time, there was never a sense of urgency from either man to make the fight happen. This stems from the fact that this is a tricky fight to pick, and Bivol has had more opportunities to secure bigger fights because he isn’t perceived as the same threat that the brutal Beterbiev is.
While it’s easy to label this as a classic boxer-vs-puncher matchup, Beterbiev is more technically skilled than many give him credit for, and the safety-first Bivol is going to learn that the hard way.
Beterbiev has knocked out everyone he’s faced, and it’s not because he has cheat codes for fists. He sets up his offense with footwork, feints, body shots, and is just as effective fighting on the outside as he is on the inside.
While his age raises concerns for some, the sheer lack of punishment Beterbiev has taken against legitimate top-tier opponents means he is well-preserved and ready for this fight. Fighters have tried to outbox Beterbiev, only to discover that he is smarter than they anticipated, before he corners them and puts them on the mat.
Bivol is technically proficient in every sense, but Beterbiev grew up in the same Eastern European school of boxing as he did. Bivol’s lack of power will be his undoing, as we’ve seen him hit fighters like Saul Alvarez and Joe Smith with everything he’s got while none have looked significantly worse for wear — Smith even staggered him late in their fight. The key to beating Beterbiev is standing your ground and earning his respect.
Bivol won’t be able to do that, and with Beterbiev’s heavy hands and capable skill set, he might find himself losing at his own game, gradually worn down as the rounds go by. While Bivol has had his time in the spotlight, it will be Beterbiev’s night as he becomes the undisputed light heavyweight champion with an upset victory.
Best best analysis
I wouldn’t doubt that Bivol is defensively sound enough and busy enough to stall Beterbiev’s attack early on, and his chin has been reliable throughout his career. This could be a night where Beterbiev is forced to go the distance for the first time in his career, though his undeniable power could wear Bivol down late.
My best bet for this one is Beterbiev to win in any form or fashion.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol odds
| Method of victory | Artur Beterbiev | Dmitry Bivol |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | +120 | -145 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +185 | +550 |
| Win by points or decision | +700 | +115 |
| Draw | +1,600 | +1,600 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of 10-10.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol tale of the tape
| Beterbiev | Bivol | |
|---|---|---|
| 39 | Age | 33 |
| 5-foot-11 | Height | 6-foot |
| 175 pounds | Weight | 175 pounds |
| 73 inches | Reach | 72 inches |
| 20-0 (20 KOs) | Record | 23-0 (12 KOs) |
Not intended for use in MA.
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