In less than a week, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, an epic showdown will take place, one of those fights that, within twelve rounds (or less), allows a boxer to make history and solidify their place among the greatest of all time. We are, of course, talking about Beterbiev vs Bivol, a spectacular Russian derby between the two best light heavyweights on the planet, who will clash on Saturday, October 12th, to compete for all four world titles in the division.
Artur Beterbiev, holder of the WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, has knocked out all twenty of his professional opponents to date, establishing himself as one of the deadliest and most feared boxers of this generation. WBA champion Dmitrii Bivol, also unbeaten, has dazzled the world with his distance control, footwork, and exceptional technique.
Who will prevail? Experts and insiders around the world are divided in their predictions, and while bookmakers show a slight edge for Bivol, the odds are very close, reflecting a balance that will not be easy to break. Here at Boxe Punch, we reached out to eleven great champions from the history of Italian boxing and four esteemed trainers to gather their opinions on how Bivol vs Beterbiev will end. Here’s what they told us!
The Champions’ Predictions
Leonard Bundu, former European champion: Bivol by decision
I have a slight preference for Bivol, although Beterbiev always has the chance to find the winning solution. Beterbiev is tough, he hits hard with both hands, and even though he takes some punches occasionally, he also knows how to box, which shouldn’t be underestimated. Bivol, on the other hand, knows how to maintain the distance perfectly, moves well, uses long-range punches, and when he lands, it hurts. I think Bivol has a 60% chance of winning by decision. There’s also a possibility that the fight could end inside the distance in favor of Beterbiev in the later rounds, but my preference goes to Bivol.
Francesco Damiani, former WBO champion, former European champion, and Olympic silver medalist: Bivol
This fight takes me back in time because it reminds me of the great match between Ali and Foreman in Kinshasa. Today, Beterbiev plays the role of Foreman in Kinshasa, and Bivol that of Ali. On one side, we have an incredibly strong boxer physically, and on the other, a very technical one. It’s hard to say who will win: if I knew for sure, I’d bet! However, I stick to the classic philosophy that elegance and boxing intelligence prevail over physical strength, though the latter can always be a factor. So, I would give Bivol a 60% chance of victory and Beterbiev 40%.
Giovanni De Carolis, former WBA champion: Bivol by decision
I’ve been waiting for this match for a long time. On paper, I see Bivol as the favorite because he showed against Canelo that he can take significant punches, and he’s very tactically smart as well as technically brilliant. He always finds the right distance and space. He strikes with ease, and many think his punches don’t hurt, but in reality, he’s one of those who, once they hit you, keep you at bay. All of his opponents, from Craig Richards, to Canelo, to Lyndon Arthur, struggled to get close, so his punches carry weight; maybe not as much as Beterbiev’s, who loads every punch and has a different style. I see Bivol as the favorite also because I expect him to be able to time his opponent and avoid taking his best punches. Beterbiev, on the other hand, is someone who takes punches; he’s already been knocked down and isn’t that young anymore. It’s true that he’s a war machine, and it’s true that he’s an exception in how he’s stayed in shape at his age, but I believe Bivol, with the right tactical plan, which he will surely have prepared, will manage to beat him. My only concern for Bivol is his psychological state, as his ex-wife is currently giving interviews denigrating him and speaking about him in an unkind manner. This could cause him some problems, but on the other hand, Bivol seems almost like a cyborg to me: when he beat Canelo, he barely smiled, while others would have celebrated for years—just think of what Andy Ruiz did after his win over Joshua. So, I expect Bivol to win by decision in a fight that, due to tactical reasons, could become boring, although Beterbiev will push hard, looking for a big punch to slow Bivol’s legs and help him get the KO. In terms of percentages, I’d give Bivol a 60% chance of winning.
Alessandro Duran, former WBU and European champion: Bivol
This is a fight open to all predictions, and I’ll have the fortune of commenting on it for DAZN. The favorite, in my opinion, is Dmitrii Bivol because he’s a boxer with impressive tactical intelligence and great timing. He’s someone who always manages to steer the fight in a direction that suits him. Certainly, he will have to be cautious of Beterbiev’s power, who is a devastating puncher and also knows how to box very well. However, I really believe that Bivol’s speed, tactical intelligence, calmness, and personality will make the difference.
Massimiliano Duran, former WBC and European champion: Bivol
I don’t like making predictions, especially when it comes to great champions facing each other, but if you want my opinion, I’d say Bivol will win. He’s certainly superior technically. Beterbiev may be stronger physically, but I don’t think that will be enough to overcome such an intelligent boxing opponent.
Emiliano Marsili, former IBO and European champion: Beterbiev by KO
It’s a great fight. Personally, I’d bet on Beterbiev, who could even win by KO. I believe he has the right traits to land effective punches necessary to knock out Bivol.
Patrizio Oliva, former WBA champion, former European champion, and Olympic gold medalist: Bivol
Undoubtedly, this will be a very balanced fight, as both are extremely good boxers. Beterbiev is a punching machine, always coming forward and dealing damage, but when he takes a hard shot, he feels it and sometimes even hits the canvas. Bivol is much more technical, evading his opponent’s blows and counter-punching. So, even though the fight appears to be very balanced on paper, if I had to bet some money, I’d certainly place it on Bivol, who I believe is the better fighter.
Cristian Sanavia, former WBC and European champion: undecided
In my opinion, this fight will end before the sixth round. Weight classes above super middleweight are a bit special: great fights are often decided by a single decisive punch. Naturally, it could also happen that, out of mutual respect for each other’s power, both fighters might go the full twelve rounds, but personally, I expect a KO finish. The winner will be the one who has more hunger, and that’s what differentiates true champions from other boxers. I was a world champion, but I wasn’t a superstar: if I had kept the same hunger after winning the world title, I could have defended it four or five times and secured my life, but things didn’t go that way.
Andrea Sarritzu, former European champion: Bivol
These are two boxers who have known each other for a long time. I think it’s a match where anything can happen—either fighter could win. Since both are Russian, there will also be a rivalry between them that could make the fight even more spectacular. I’d give Bivol a 60% chance of winning because I see him as a much more complete fighter. Problems could arise for him if he stays too much in close range and starts trading punches because Beterbiev’s power is far superior to his. This is the key to the fight. If Bivol stays inside too long, he could lose even on points. But if he fights smart, like he did against Canelo and others, he’ll win.
Loris Stecca, former WBA and European champion: Bivol by KO
I think Bivol will win inside the distance because he’s the superior fighter. It will be a close fight, but I believe Bivol has an extra gear and will eventually overwhelm his opponent. Of course, this is just my opinion, things can always take unexpected turns in the ring, but I feel this is how it will play out: it will be an exciting fight, and Bivol will win by KO.
Paolo Vidoz, former European champion and Olympic bronze medalist: Bivol
I say Bivol will win on points or by KO in the later rounds, from the tenth onward. I believe technique triumphs over power. Of course, if he takes a hard punch from Beterbiev, he could be in serious trouble, but since they’ve known each other well since their amateur days, I think Bivol has already figured out how to approach this match. Naturally, the final word always belongs to the ring: may the best man win!
The Trainers’ Predictions
Gino Freo: Bivol by decision
I see Bivol as the favorite. He is a very technical boxer with great character and can earn respect with his punch. This is a contest between two champions with a capital “C.” I wouldn’t call them “superstars”; in my view, there are very few true superstars in today’s boxing. There may be some rounds won clearly by one fighter and others by the other, but I don’t expect a KO. I think they will respect each other and go the full twelve rounds. By then, I expect Bivol to have accumulated a slight points advantage.
Bartolomeo Gordini: Bivol
I have great admiration for Dmitrii Bivol. Technically, I think he’s the best: simple and extraordinary at the same time. So, I see him as the favorite. I hope his long and exhausting career, which began in his amateur days, won’t affect him too much. I’ve never bet on boxing because it’s unpredictable, but if I were to bet some money, I’d put it on him. Beterbiev is a solid opponent, but I don’t think he can challenge Bivol over the long run. If an upset happens, great: surprises in boxing are always exciting. However, if there’s one fighter in today’s scene who offers solid guarantees, it’s Bivol: a guy who never gets rattled, always stays focused, very serious, a reserved character who leads a private life, training three times a day, and has consistently proven to be a champion both in and out of the ring.
Dino Orso: Undecided
When asked, “Who will win between Beterbiev and Bivol?” I find it tough to answer. Both have an attacking mindset but with different tactical and personal traits: Beterbiev is less concerned about open exchanges, making him more comfortable in that style, while Bivol is more cautious and capable of keeping the right distance to land precise, almost academic punches. Beterbiev will likely remain dangerous as the rounds go by, but this also means the risk of him leaving an opening in his defense will persist. I see Bivol being more careful and capable of racking up points for two-thirds of the fight, but with increasing risk in the later rounds, where his excellent footwork could suffer from the earlier efforts. So, I wouldn’t know who to bet on, but I’ll venture two possible outcomes:
- Bivol by KO before the ninth round
- Beterbiev by KO in the last three rounds
Biagio Zurlo: Bivol
This is a world-class match with an uncertain outcome. I consider Bivol slightly more complete, both defensively and offensively (since he sets up his attacks well). My prediction leans towards Bivol.
Final Tally:
Artur Beterbiev: 1
Dmitrii Bivol: 12
Undecided: 2