Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:19 am GMT
As boxing fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev on October 12 in Riyadh, much of the conversation revolves around Bivol’s chances of pulling off an upset against the knockout specialist Beterbiev. Can Bivol’s skilled boxing technique outsmart Beterbiev’s raw power? Or will Beterbiev’s impressive knockout record strike fear into Bivol’s strategy? Former champion Roy Jones Jr. believes he has the answer.
Roy Jones Jr. Weighs In
Roy Jones Jr., a former boxing superstar, is betting on Bivol’s boxing abilities to carry him through the highly anticipated four-belt contest. He points to Beterbiev’s history of knockdowns as evidence of vulnerability, despite those knockdowns being “flash” moments in his fights against Callum Johnson and Jeff Page Jr.
- Beterbiev’s Record:
– Fights: 20
– Knockouts: 20
- Bivol’s Record:
– Fights: 23
– Knockouts: 12
Jones Jr. asserts that Bivol, with his superior boxing acumen, can leverage the former champion’s previous experiences to score points, suggesting, “If a fighter knows you’ve been down, he can possibly put you back down.” He acknowledges that Bivol is not a devastating puncher but believes he can still land enough shots to win.
Beterbiev’s Knockout Power
Artur Beterbiev, on the other hand, has developed a reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable punchers. With 100% of his wins coming by way of knockout, Beterbiev has made it clear he is a threat in any match-up.
Despite Jones Jr.’s assessment, many analysts consider Beterbiev’s power to be his most significant advantage. He has demonstrated the ability to recover from knockdowns to secure victories, showcasing resilience and strength that could pose a challenge for Bivol.
- Bivol’s Strategy:
– Stick and move style.
– Avoid prolonged exchanges with Beterbiev.
Jones warns that attempting to take Beterbiev on in a slugfest could backfire, putting Bivol in danger given Beterbiev’s knockout capability. “Beterbiev is the far better puncher of the two,” he stated.
Can Body Shots Make a Difference?
Adding to the intrigue, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has weighed in on how Bivol might secure a win. He suggests that the key to victory lies in targeting Beterbiev’s body to drain his power and stamina over the course of the match.
“Body shots can break a fighter down,” Stevenson noted. By working the body early on, Bivol could potentially slow Beterbiev and create openings for more significant strikes later in the fight.
- Key Takeaways from Stevenson:
– Targeting the body could sap Beterbiev’s strength.
– Effective body shots could open up opportunities for counters.
Possible Outcomes for the Fight
As the fight date approaches, speculation about how Bivol will approach the bout remains high. Here are a few possible scenarios based on expert opinions:
- Bivol’s Classic Boxing: If Bivol sticks to his traditional boxing strategy, using footwork and controlling the distance, he may outpoint Beterbiev.
- Early Pressure: Should Bivol choose to press early, he risks getting caught by Beterbiev’s heavy hands, possibly leading to a knockout.
- Counter Punching: Utilizing counter-punching could allow Bivol to exploit openings, especially if Beterbiev overcommits during exchanges.
Ultimately, the fight’s outcome may come down to Bivol’s ability to implement these strategies effectively while remaining cautious of Beterbiev’s power.
Conclusion: A Battle of Styles
The upcoming match between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter pitting raw power against skillful technique. While Roy Jones Jr. supports Bivol’s chances based on his boxing prowess and Beterbiev’s knockdown history, the latter’s undefeated knockout record presents significant risks.
Boxing fans are in for an exciting showdown! This fight will show two very different styles. Bivol’s skill to adjust and stay focused in the ring might help him beat Beterbiev, or Beterbiev could keep his knockout winning streak going. As the fight date in October gets closer, both fighters have strong reasons why they could win. This is definitely a match that every boxing fan won’t want to miss!
