Fight Preview and Predictions for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol

The stage is set in Riyadh for an exciting clash between two of the world’s most prominent light-heavyweight boxers. It's been dubbed one of the biggest bouts in the past decade, with two dominant Russians Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol battling it out for supremacy in this division.

The showdown is set to be a clash of titans. Both boxers have yet to taste defeat so far in their professional careers, but there can be only one man standing. Artur Beterbiev (20-0) is a unified champion, holding the IBF, WBO, and WBC titles in 2017, 2019, and 2022, respectively. Bivol, on the other hand, holds the WBA and IBO light-heavyweight titles.

What's at stake? The winner will become the undisputed champion, unifying the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO lightweight belts. It’s the first time we will see a crowned champion claim all four belts in the lightweight division since Roy Jones Jr. defeated Reggie Johnson in 1999 after 12 rounds.

With anticipation continuing to grow among boxing fans worldwide, it's only right to provide readers with a sneak peek of what to expect from this matchup, including the likely winner.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Fight Predictions

While some fans expect Beterbiev to win this bout, bookmakers have Bivol as a slight favorite to usurp his fellow compatriot. Bivol currently sits at -138 to win the fight outright on most sportsbooks, while fans who fancy an upset can bet on Beterbiev at +100.

Judging by power advantage, the stats favor Beterbiev to win. The 39-year-old has knocked out every single opponent he has faced, and bookmakers give him the edge to get the knockout (+150).

However, Bivol takes the nod when it comes to experience and has been in the ring more times than Beterbiev. Bivol has fought 190 professional rounds compared to Beterbiev’s 98 and is favored to win the matchup on points (+130).

Beterbiev goes into this matchup as the No. 1 ranked light-heavyweight fighter, while Bivol is ranked No. 2 by the Ringer. Regardless of who you fancy to win, ensure to get in-depth sports betting education on how to place your bets correctly before wagering on this match.

Artur Beterbiev’s Fighter Profile

Artur Beterbiev was already one of the best amateur boxers before turning pro in 2013. He won the European Amateur Boxing Championships in 2006 and 2010. Beterbiev also clinched the light heavyweight title at the World Championships in 2009.

He would continue along this trajectory in his professional career, winning his first five bouts. The Russian clinched his first title as a pro in dominant fashion: he defeated then-IBF light-heavyweight champion Tavoris Cloud to claim the NABA title in 2014, the first championship of his professional career. Beterbiev dropped Cloud three times during the bout before sealing the deal in two rounds. This marked the first time Cloud was dropped in his professional career.

He claimed the IBF light-heavyweight title in 2017 after defeating Enrico Kölling in Round 12. He claimed the WBC title in 2019 after beating Radivoje Kalajdzic by knockout and won the WBO title against Joe Smith Jr. in 2022. The 39-year-old undisputed lightweight champion’s recent bout was against Callum Smith in defense of his WBO championship belt. Beterbiev won in the seventh round by TKO. Beterbiev has successfully defended his belts three times and will hope to achieve this feat a fourth time when he faces Dmitry Bivol next month.

Dmitry Bivol’s Fighter Profile

Dmitry Bivol finished his amateur career with an astonishing 268-15 record before turning pro in 2014. He won two U-17 World Championships, and the Russian National Amateur Boxing Championship in 2012 and 2014.

He started his professional career by winning six straight fights by knockout. The St. Petersburg resident claimed his first pro title in 2016 after defeating Felix Valera by unanimous decision to become the WBA interim light-heavyweight champion. Valera was undefeated prior to the matchup but was dropped twice by Bivol during the bout before the Russian sealed the deal.

Bivol was elevated to full champion after Badou Jack vacated his title. The newly crowned champion was ordered to defend his belt against Trent Broadhurst, and he did successfully, with a right-fisted blow to knock out Broadhurst in Round One.

His big moment came in 2022 when he stunned Canelo Alvarez despite being considered the underdog. Bivol won by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. He retained his belt against Gilberto Ramírez by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.

Bivol won the IBO light-heavyweight title in 2023, after defeating British boxer London Arthur in 12 rounds. He successfully defended his two belts in June after seeing off Malik Zinad by TKO in Round 6.

The 33-year-old will face his toughest test yet against his fellow compatriot on October 13 in what many fans have dubbed a clash for the ages in the light-heavyweight division.