David Benavidez picks WBA lightweight champion Dmitry Bivol to be victorious against Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night in Riyadh. Benavidez gives Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) a “slight edge” in his undisputed lightweight championship on Oct. 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Benavidez is the mandatory and interim WBC champion and could get that title next year. His chances of winning are arguably better against Bivol than Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), who might be too powerful for the volume puncher.
Beterbiev, 39, is the oldest fighter of the 33-year-old Bivol, and comes into the match with doubts about the condition of his right knee. He had surgery in May 2024 for a torn meniscus, and only had four months to recover from the surgery.
“I think Bivol has a slight advantage, but I don’t know. It’s a 50-50 fight. It’s going to be a great fight, but I think Bivol could get away with a win,” said David Benavidez to Pro Boxing fanschoosing Dmitry Bivol over Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night.
“This fight, Bivol and Beterbiev, had everything,” said broadcaster Adam Smith. “I’m leaning a little bit towards one? Maybe Bivol, but Beterbiev boxed so well against Callum Smith that he can turn it on. He’s not just an aggressive powerhouse; he can also box well.
“Bivol is a wonderful technician. He doesn’t have the power of Beterbiev, but he’s got the skills. It’s going to be so tight. It’s a wonderful fight.”
“Probably Beterbiev because he’s a very smart fighter, and he can knock you down, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Bivol wins,” said Ben Whittaker.
“I’ve always liked Bivol. It’s not so much that he beat Callum Smith. It’s how he did it. It’s what he did. It’s what Beterbiev did that I found impressive,” said trainer Dave Coldwell.
“He didn’t get involved at all. He just controlled everything. He controlled every little detail, and he managed the pace really well, which as you get older you need to be able to do that. That’s why I chose Beterbiev because, at 39, he shows nothing.
“No hesitation. He doesn’t show anything where I look at him and think, ‘He’s deteriorating.’ So, I think I’m going to go with Beterbiev on this one,” Coldwell said.
The way Betebiev looked so relaxed against Callum Smith showed he doesn’t waste energy or stress when dealing with a power puncher. Bivol is a different fighter than Smith, but he will try to hurt Beterbiev in the same way.
If Beterbiev can stay relaxed under fire against Bivol, like he did against Smith, he has a good chance to win.
