Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will settle who is the best light-heavyweight in the world this weekend when they meet in an undisputed title clash, live on DAZN.
A who's-who of fighters have been hooked alongside fans amid the build-up, and Tim Bradley is the latest high-profile industry figure to have his say on the contest.
Both men enter the fight protecting unbeaten records and the winner looks likely to take a significant jump on the boxing pound-for-pound list.
The contest has been many years in the making and with the bout fast approaching, predictions are being made.
Neither man comes into the fight as an overwhelming favourite, but there’s no doubt that Beterbiev is the man who holds the advantage in power.
Possessing 20 stoppages from as many wins, he has yet to hear the final bell as a pro fighter, but he’ll be facing his biggest test against Bivol.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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The WBA champion has dominated the vast majority of his opponents to date and in 2022, he scored a monumental win when he upset Canelo Alvarez.
Seen as the boxer in the fight, Bivol will be hoping his skills can secure victory, and he’s the fighter Bradley, a former two-weight world champion, is leaning towards.
“The opening rounds will be crucial in setting the tone," he told ESPN. "While some might expect Beterbiev to begin slowly after his knee surgery and a layoff of nine months, he should adopt an aggressive strategy to disrupt Bivol's rhythm and create discomfort early on,”
“However, starting quickly comes with risk, as Bivol is a sharpshooter as a counterpuncher. It will be fascinating to see how this unfolds and impacts the fight's dynamics.
“My original pick, before Beterbiev needed surgery, was a Bivol win. He has better footwork, defense, an incredible jab, and sharp counters.
“If he can keep the fight in the center of the ring, without being too stationary for Beterbiev's midrange to inside attacks, he should win. However, it's easier said than done. But I will go with Bivol.”
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.
Purchasing the PPV includes a seven-day free trial of all of DAZN's programming across a range of sports.
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