David Benavidez picks WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to defeat Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night in Riyadh. Benavidez gives Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) a “slight edge” in their undisputed light heavyweight rematch on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Benavidez is the mandatory and interim WBC champion and is likely to get a shot at that title next year. His odds of winning are arguably better against Bivol than against Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), who may be the more powerful of a volume puncher.
Beterbiev, 39, is an older fighter than the 33-year-old Bivol, and comes into the bout with doubts over the condition of his right knee. He underwent surgery in May 2024 for a torn meniscus, and has only four months to recover from the surgery.
“I think Bivol has a slight edge, but I don’t know. It’s a 50-50 fight. It will be a good fight, but I think Bivol might start with a win,” said David Benavidez to Pro Boxing fans, picking Dmitry Bivol over Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night.
“That fight, Bivol and Beterbiev, has everything,” said broadcaster Adam Smith. “Am I a little too dependent on one? Maybe Bivol, but Beterbiev played too well against Callum Smith to open it up. He’s not just an aggressive powerhouse; he can box well too.
“Bivol is an amazing professional. He doesn’t have the power of Beterbiev, but he has the skills. It will be very strong. It’s a good fight.”
“Maybe Beterbiev because he is a very smart fighter, and he knows how to punch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Bivol wins,” said Ben Whittaker.
“I have always admired Bivol. It’s not so much that you beat Callum Smith. How did you do it. That’s what he was doing. That’s what Beterbiev was doing that I find impressive,” said coach Dave Coldwell.
“He didn’t exert himself at all. He just took control of everything. He controlled every little detail, and he could run well, which, as you get older, you need to be able to do. That’s why I choose Beterbiev because, at 39, he shows nothing.
“There is no doubt. He doesn’t show anything where I look at him and think, ‘He’s crumbling.’ So, I think I’ll go with Beterbiev on that one,” Coldwell said.
The way Betebiev looked comfortable against Callum Smith showed that he doesn’t waste energy or pressure when dealing with a power hitter. Bivol is a different fighter than Smith, but he will be trying to hurt Beterbiev in the same way.
If Beterbiev can stay comfortable under fire against Bivol, like he did against Smith, he has a good chance of winning.
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