Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol go head-to-head for the undisputed light-heavyweight crown this month when they meet at Riyadh Season's IV Crown Showdown, live on DAZN.
The pair will put their combined WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA titles on the line when they clash at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena, in Saudi Arabia on October 12.
Both men are looking to further their unbeaten records, but in a battle of brute performer versus intelligent technican, who will walk away with all the belts under the bright lights?
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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DAZN breaks down some of the numbers behind the journey to this fight.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol - By the Numbers
2013: The year Beterbiev turned professional after a glittering amateur career, with Bivol following a year later in 2014.
1111: The number of punches Beterbiev threw in his victory over Enrico Koelling, to win the IBF light-heavyweight title in 2017.
190: The amount of rounds Bivol has contested in his career; Beterbiev meanwhile has fought just 98 rounds in only three fewer fights.
133: The number of days between the original date for Beterbiev and Bivol's fight, on June 1, and the rescheduled clash, on October 12.
100: Beterbiev's KO percentage, secured across 20 bouts; Bivol has a 52% KO figure across 23 bouts.
73: The length of Beterbiev's reach in inches; Bivol has a 72" reach.
33: Bivol's age, six years younger than Beterbiev at 39.
4: The combined number of first-round knockouts between the two fighters; Beterbiev has scored three, while Bivol has scored one.
2: The number of previous fights Bivol has fought at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh; it is Beterbiev's first visit to Saudi Arabia.
What does it mean?
Beterbiev enters this fight with one of the greatest records the light-heavyweight division has ever seen, in a career dominated by ruthless power and prolific knockdowns.
The fact he boasts a 100% KO record and has contested almost a hundred fewer rounds than his opponent points clearly to a man keen to finish matters fast.
But having only reached the final round of a bout once in his career, coupled with the trouble caused by his injury earlier this year, does leave questions if Bivol can withstand him.
The longer this fight goes on, the more the numbers suggest the latter can take advantage. With legs that are younger by six years, they may hold up better in the later rounds.
Bivol also has the advantage of knowing what to expect in Saudi Arabia too, having been there twice before. Even with a shorter reach, he will still be a formidable contestant.
Watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, plus the whole fight card on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which also includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clarke, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
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