Unbeaten light heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol clash in Riyadh for a unification bout. Check out our expert preview and tips, which include a selection of the best betting offers available to maximise the return of this fight.
Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitrii Bivol Predictions
Who Will Come Out on Top in the Beterbiev vs Bivol Showdown?
- Beterbiev has knocked out all 20 of his opponents, but this could be the first time he goes the distance.
- Bivol has never been stopped in 23 fights and holds a win over Canelo Alvarez.
- Beterbiev is undefeated but enters this fight as the slight underdog despite holding three of the four titles.
Our Tips
Fight to Go the Distance | |
Reasoning The Paul vs Tyson bout is predicted to go the distance. Tyson’s age and Paul’s inexperience suggest a cautious, endurance-focused contest, with both fighters pacing themselves and respecting each other's strengths. |
Boxing fans are in for a thrilling night as unbeaten light heavyweight champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol meet in Riyadh for a unification clash. This highly anticipated bout sees two of the division’s most dangerous and technically skilled fighters finally square off, with all four major world titles on the line. Beterbiev, renowned for his devastating power, faces the ultimate test in Bivol, a slick, disciplined fighter who boasts a perfect 23-0 record. The contrast in styles promises an intense battle in the ring, one that could go down in boxing history.
Now, when we think of this fight, one of the best bets stands out: backing Artur Beterbiev to win by decision or technical decision. While Beterbiev is famous for his knockout power, with all 20 of his victories coming by way of stoppage, there’s a strong case for him needing the full distance to secure this win. And here’s why.
Best Bet: Artur Beterbiev to Win by Decision or Technical Decision
Beterbiev is often seen as the knockout king, but when facing someone like Bivol, things could get a lot more complicated. While Bivol doesn’t pack the same punch as Beterbiev, his ability to control distance and tempo is unparalleled. Bivol is the type of fighter who can frustrate opponents with his technical precision, forcing them to chase him and overcommit. Against Bivol, Beterbiev will need more than just brute force; he’ll need patience, timing, and the ability to work his way inside over the course of 12 rounds.
There’s no doubt that Beterbiev’s incredible record of knockouts speaks for itself. He’s a destroyer in the ring, capable of dismantling his opponents round by round with relentless pressure and power. However, the key difference here is the calibre of his opponent. Dmitrii Bivol isn’t the type to crumble under pressure. He’s an elusive fighter, with excellent footwork and an ability to slip punches while maintaining control of the centre of the ring. If Beterbiev rushes in looking for the knockout, Bivol is crafty enough to make him miss and counter effectively.
So why not expect the knockout? Because Bivol is one of the few fighters who can withstand Beterbiev’s onslaught. His defensive skills are top-tier, and while Beterbiev will land shots, it’s highly unlikely that he will be able to land the clean, fight-ending punches that have put away his past opponents. In fact, Bivol has never been stopped, and he’s faced solid opposition, including the legendary Canelo Alvarez, whom he outboxed convincingly. Even though Beterbiev is a knockout artist, he’s never faced anyone with the combination of ring IQ, movement, and defence that Bivol brings.
Now, here’s where the controversy lies. While most see Bivol as the favourite due to his technical prowess, there’s a growing sentiment that Beterbiev could edge this one out on the judges’ scorecards. Why? Because Beterbiev has shown he can box when necessary. He’s not just a mindless brawler. His fights show a man who knows how to close the distance, get inside and wear his opponents down over time. Against a slippery opponent like Bivol, Beterbiev will need to focus on breaking Bivol’s rhythm early, forcing him into uncomfortable positions where he can’t simply jab and move.
There’s also an important factor that plays into Beterbiev’s favour: age and wear. Bivol, despite being younger, has been through fewer wars in the ring compared to Beterbiev, who at 39, might seem like he’s on the wrong side of his prime. But this could play into Beterbiev’s hands. With fewer hard-fought battles under his belt, Bivol’s stamina has never truly been tested against someone who can hit as hard as Beterbiev. And while Bivol may start strong, the real question is whether he can maintain that pace for 12 gruelling rounds.
Beterbiev, on the other hand, thrives in these conditions. His ability to wear down opponents over time is key to his success. Even if he doesn’t stop Bivol, he can certainly slow him down enough in the later rounds to rack up the points and get the win. He’s shown in previous fights that he knows how to cut off the ring and force exchanges, and when Bivol is inevitably dragged into these exchanges, he’ll be eating Beterbiev’s power punches.
A decision win for Beterbiev might sound outlandish to some, but boxing is often about subtle shifts in momentum. As the fight drags on, Bivol’s movement could slow, and that’s where Beterbiev will capitalise. He doesn’t need to knock Bivol out cold to win; he just needs to land the more telling punches in enough rounds to convince the judges. Bivol may be slick, but Beterbiev’s work rate and pressure are relentless, and over time, that kind of pressure can wear down even the most technically proficient fighters.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
Selected Bookmakers Offers
Open Account Offer – Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365.Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
1st deposit only | min deposit £10 | max bet £2 | max bonus £50 | 40x wagering | Bonuses playable on Casino Slots and Crash games | 30-day bonus expiry | User Agreement & Bonus T&Cs apply | |
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. | |
New cust only. Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 Horse Racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org. | |
18+. BeGambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Min £10 debit card deposit. Place a £10+ bet on sportsbook at min odds 1/1 (2.0) each leg. Receive 2 x £10 free bets within 24 hours of bet settlement, and further 2 x £10 casino bonus the next day. T&C’s apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
18+ New customers only. Opt in, bet £10 at odds 2.00+ within 10 days, no cashout. Get 6x £5 Free Bets, set events at odds 2.00+. 7 day bonus expiry. T&C’s Apply. gambleaware.org | Please Gamble Responsibly. 18+ | GambleAware | #Ad | |
New members only. £10+ bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals) at 1.5 min odds, settled within 14 days. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days on sportsbook only. 2x£5 Free Bets for Bet Builder only. Stake not returned. T&Cs + deposit exclusions apply. T&Cs.+ deposit exclusions apply #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
New customers only, 18+. Min deposit £10. Place a £50 bet on any sport at 2.0+ to qualify for £25 in free bets and 10 Free Spins. Free Bets and Spins valid 7 days. £0.10 Free Spins. T&Cs apply. Please bet responsibly. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
New members only. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook (ex. virtuals), placed & settled at 1.5 min odds in 14 days of sign-up. Win part of E/W bets. Free Bets: accept in 7 days, valid 7 days, use on sportsbook only (ex. virtuals), stakes not returned. T&Cs Apply and deposit exclusions apply. Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | |
18+ New customers only. Opt in, and bet £10 on football markets (odds 2.00+). No cash out. Get 6x£5 football free bets at specified odds for set markets, which expire after 7 days. Offer valid from 12:00 UK Time on 25/08/2023. Card payments only. T&Cs Apply | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org |