David Benavidez picks WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to take on Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night in Riyadh. Benavidez gives Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) a “slight edge” in their undisputed light heavyweight championship on Oct. 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Benavidez is the WBC mandatory and interim champion and may get a shot at that title next year. His chances of winning are probably better against Bivol than Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), who may be too powerful for the volume puncher.
Beterbiev (39) is the older fighter than the 33-year-old Bivol, and he comes into the match with doubts about the condition of his right knee. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in May 2024, and he only had four months left to recover from the surgery.
“I think Bivol has a slight edge, but I don’t know. It’s a 50-50 fight. It’s going to be a great fight, but I think Bivol might come away with a win,” said David Benavidez. Pro Boxing Fansand choose Dmitri Bivol over Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night.
“That fight, Bivol and Beterbiev, got everything,” said broadcaster Adam Smith. “Do I lean slightly towards one? Maybe Bivol, but Beterbiev boxed so well against Callum Smith that he can turn it on. He is not only an aggressive powerhouse; he can also box beautifully.
“Bivol is a great technician. He doesn’t have the power of Beterbiev, but he has the skills. It’s going to be so tight. It’s a great fight.”
“Probably Beterbiev because he’s a very smart fighter, and he can punch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Bivol wins,” said Ben Whittaker.
“I’ve always fancied Bivol. It’s not so much that he beat Callum Smith. That’s how he did it. That’s what he did. That’s what Beterbiev did that I found impressive,” coach Dave Coldwell said.
“He didn’t exert himself at all. He just controlled everything. He controlled every little detail, and he managed the pace very well, which, as you get older, you have to be able to do. That’s why I choose Beterbiev because at 39 he shows nothing.
“No hesitation. He doesn’t show anything where I look at him and think: ‘He’s going backwards’. So, I think I’m going with Beterbiev on that one,” says Coldwell.
The way Betebiev looked so relaxed against Callum Smith showed that he doesn’t waste energy or stress when dealing with a power punch. Bivol is a different fighter than Smith, but he will try to hurt Beterbiev in the same way.
If Beterbiev can stay relaxed under fire against Bivol, like he did against Smith, he has a good chance to win.
