Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol checks off all the boxes to possibly be a Fight of the Year candidate tonight, live on DAZN PPV (excluding U.S. and Canada).
In one corner, it’s the undefeated and destructive unified light heavyweight world champion in Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), who touts a 100 percent knockout rate.
In the other corner, it’s the WBA light heavyweight titleholder Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs), whose superb boxing skills have paved the way toward an unblemished ledger of his own.
With the stakes ultra high and boxing history on the line, DAZN lists the keys to victory for both fighters as they vie for undisputed glory at 175 pounds.
Artur Beterbiev’s keys to victory
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Crowd Bivol’s space, punch in traffic
All 20 of Beterbiev’s wins coming by the way of knockout tells us that the Russian bruiser prefers taking fights to the inside to unleash pain.
But Beterbiev’s willingness to punch in traffic and jump in the phone booth with Bivol could spell all the difference in Beterbiev handing Bivol his first professional loss.
In particular, Beterbiev’s penchant of getting inside and wrapping a devastating right hook around an opponent’s guard with crisp timing will be vital against Bivol.
Bang the body
Beterbiev has shown the ability to commit to the body with crunching rib shots.
Making these deposits against Bivol could not only stifle the WBA light heavyweight titleholder’s punch volume but force him to lower his hands just enough to land a fight-altering shot upstairs.
Empty the tank
If Beterbiev sees any signs of Bivol in pain, he’s got to pounce — something that Beterbiev obviously does well considering his 100 percent knockout ratio.
Beyond that, at 39, Beterbiev, who is six years older than Bivol, can’t afford for the younger fighter to use his conditioning to outpoint his way to victory.
If the unified light heavyweight world champion has an opening to unload the heavy artillery, he has to empty the tank and produce the stoppage to reign as undisputed ruler of the 175-pound division.
| 11.15pm | Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol | IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles |
| 10pm | Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke 2 | For Wardley's British heavyweight title |
| 9pm | Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey | For Opetaia's IBF cruiserweight title |
| 8pm | Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta | Middleweight |
| 7pm | Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman | For Nicolson's WBC women's featherweight title |
| 6pm | Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron | Light heavyweight |
| 5.35pm | Mohammaed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez | Lightweight |
Dmitry Bivol’s keys to victory
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Assert the power jab
His victory over Canelo Alvarez in May 2022 is clear proof that Bivol masterfully uses a prodding power jab. Revisit that bout and you’ll see how Bivol skillfully asserts the weapon.
Well, the same must be done against Beterbiev, for establishing that stick first will open up pathways to a rousing victory.
Turn the punch volume up
If Bivol can pump the jab with consistency while in rhythm, he has to use it to turn his punch volume all the way up and drown Beterbiev out.
This means combinations behind the jab must follow at a high rate. Bivol's deft and subtle turn of the jab into a hook will help.
Him constantly touching Beterbiev can be used to thwart the unified light heavyweight champion’s noted power, while allowing Bivol to bank rounds to victory.
Keep a healthy distance
Getting baited into a fire fight with Beterbiev could end disastrously for Bivol.
However, driving his punch count up behind the jab — as aforementioned — while keeping a safe distance could very well be the recipe to Bivol delivering the measured strategy needed to capture the undisputed light heavyweight crown.
Watch Beterbiev vs. Bivol 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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