Undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev is set to put everything on the line once again on February 22 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a highly anticipated rematch against Dmitry Bivol. The two first clashed in October, with Beterbiev securing a controversial majority decision victory in a fight filled with relentless action and exchanges.
Now, they are set to headline a stacked card in what promises to be the ultimate battle for light heavyweight supremacy. As the rematch approaches, one of Beterbiev’s former rivals has weighed in with his prediction for the fight. So, the question is, who? Well, it’s none other than former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
Gvozdyk fought Beterbiev back in 2019 for the IBF and WBC light heavyweight titles. Beterbiev dropped him three times to end the fight in round ten via knockout. While Gvozdyk could not win, he has first-hand experience of fighting boxing’s scariest fighter. So, during his interview with Fight Hype recently, Gvozdyk explained his prediction for the bout.
Boxeo 2022 Saul – Canelo- Alvarez MEX vs Dmitry Bivol RUS – Weigh-in ceremony May 6, 2022 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Dmitry Bivol RUS during Weighing Ceremony at T-Mobile Arena ahead of the Matchroom Boxing card on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in Las Vegas. brbr 06 de mayo de 2022 Las Vegas, Nevada, Estados Unidos Dmitry Bivol RUS durante la Ceremonia de Pesaje en T-Mobile Arena antes de la cartelera de Matchroom Boxing el sabado, 7 de mayo de 2022 en Las Vegas. LAS VEGAS NEVADA ESTADOS UNIDOS PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxMEXxCHNxRUS Copyright: xAdrianxMaciasx 20220506163929_BOX_22_WEIGH_CER_ALV_BIV_BIVOL26
“I score Bivol won first fight, little bit, not like a robbery, controversial something crazy. But I got Bivol a little better,” he told the reporter. “I think the second fight Bivol going to be definitely stronger… If he start fading out then he got in trouble. Not in trouble, but I go with Bivol.” He also speculated that Bivol’s prior loss could have been because of a bad day at the office or even an injury.
Despite that though, Gvozdyk added, “I kind of see second fight is 50/50 fight and slightly to Bivol. I guess because again I believe that Bivol going to be stronger and will be better be stronger.” Meanwhile, Top Rank honcho Bob Arum has shared his prediction for the bout.
Bob Arum on Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch
Bob Arum expects a more aggressive Artur Beterbiev in his rematch with Dmitry Bivol on February 22. “When the rematch was offered to Beterbiev, he never hesitated to accept it,” Arum told Sky Sports, adding, “I thought Beterbiev in the first fight was a little too tentative till the later rounds. I think it will be different this fight.”
Top Rank chairman Todd DuBoef echoed Arum’s sentiments, saying, “The question is, does Artur start that earlier? Can he start that in round one?” Beterbiev, known for his knockout power, will be looking to leave no doubts this time. “The only way he wins every fight that he fought was by knockout… So obviously he would want to win the fight by knockout,” Arum stated.
That said, it appears the world is split on who would win on fight night. With the stage set for the year’s biggest fight, let us know who you think will win the rematch.
The post Artur Beterbiev’s Former Opponent Hits a Nerve With Controversial Take on Dmitry Bivol Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
