Artur Beterbiev has commenced his training camp in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in preparation for his highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight championship bout against Dmitry Bivol on October 12th. In a recent video clip highlighting his workout session, the IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion showcased his power and speed while hitting the heavy bag and mitts. This signifies his dedication and commitment to excellence as he gears up for the clash with the undefeated WBA 175-lb champion Bivol.
Despite Beterbiev’s stellar record and undeniable talent, there is a prevailing sentiment among boxing fans that he is the underdog going into this fight against Bivol. The herd mentality among casual fans seems to be leaning towards an easy victory for Bivol on October 12th. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this matchup is far from one-sided, and Beterbiev should not be underestimated. Bivol’s recent opponents, including Malik Zinad, Canelo Alvarez, and Lyndon Arthur, do not measure up to the caliber of fighter Beterbiev is. Therefore, it is misleading to discount Beterbiev’s chances based on surface-level assumptions.
The long-anticipated showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol has been in the making since 2018, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its realization. The reasons for the delay remain unclear, with speculations ranging from network and promoter issues to conflicting schedules. However, it was His Excellency Turki Alalshikh who took the initiative to make this fight happen, and thanks to his efforts, the matchup is finally coming to fruition.
Beterbiev, who recently recovered from a meniscus injury, appears to be in peak condition as he enters the final stages of his training camp. His impressive track record of knockout victories against notable opponents like Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, and Joe Smith further solidifies his position as a formidable force in the light heavyweight division. On the other hand, Bivol is expected to rely on his technical boxing skills and elusive movement to outmaneuver Beterbiev and secure a decision victory. Given Beterbiev’s superior power, it would be unwise for Bivol to engage in a slugfest and instead focus on maintaining distance and landing effective combinations.
The upcoming Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight promises to be a captivating clash between two elite light heavyweight boxers. While Bivol may have the edge in terms of speed and agility, Beterbiev’s raw power and knockout proficiency cannot be overlooked. As the fighters put the finishing touches on their preparations, fans can look forward to a thrilling and competitive showdown that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the light heavyweight division.