Joe Smith Jr is perhaps the most qualified to discuss this weekend’s epic encounter that will see Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol go at it in a clash to crown an undisputed champion at 175lbs.
The current world champions will both put all their belts on the line, live on DAZN , in what promises to be one of the best light-heavyweight fights of all time.
In one corner you have Beterbiev, a ferocious puncher who drags his opponents into deep waters and who’ll be protecting a flawless 20-0 record that includes 20 stoppage victories.
Opposing him is Bivol, another unbeaten fighter who’s used an incredible skillset to reach the upper echelons of the boxing world, and who also owns a victory over Canelo Alvarez.
In 2019, Smith Jr attempted to become world champion against Bivol, but he was not able to impose himself into the fight until late on. Bivol was victorious on the scorecards as he boxed his way to a unanimous points victory.
Three years later, and possessing the WBO crown, the tough New Yorker attempted to unify his world title with Beterbiev’s belts, but his efforts were unsuccessful as he was stopped in two rounds.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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After sharing the ring with both of this weekend’s combatants, Smith Jr has delivered his verdict on how he feels the fight will play out.
“I can see Beterbiev trying to push the pressure early on, stay on him. I can see Bivol being cautious and boxing very well. I think the fight's going to build and build and be a great fight,” said Smith Jr when speaking to The Ring .
“The fight could go either way. You’ve got Bivol with his combinations and feet, he could pick Beterbiev apart. Or Beterbiev where he lands a big shot.
“I believe it’ll be a close fight. It could be a stoppage, both men have the power and ability to stop each other. It’s going to be an interesting fight. I think it’s 50/ 50 both have the slight advantage in certain things.
“If I had to really make a pick, I’d maybe take my chances with Bivol by decision.”
Watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and huge undercard on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol and the full fight card on October 12 on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clark, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
The PPV is priced at £19.99 for UK viewers. To purchase and find the prices in your region click here.
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