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Artur Beterbiev is a natural phenomenon within the light-heavyweight division and world of boxing as a whole. The reigning champion of the WBC, IBF, and WBO, Beterbiev has dominated opponents rather than merely defeating them, during a career which has saw the 38 year old Canadian deliver 20 knockouts from his 20 professional fights. His recent triumph in his home nation over Callum Smith of the United Kingdom served as evidence of this dominance.
Beterbiev, however, is not done here. His objective is to attain a more prestigious accolade—the undisputed light-heavyweight champion—hunting for the fourth major title, held by Dmitry Bivol, the WBA champion.
Light-heavyweight Artur Beterbiev's story is one of determination and skill. Born in Russia and now fighting out of Montreal, Canada, Beterbiev has always been known for his power and skill that saw him first claim the IBF light-heavyweight championship in 2017 with a dominant performance against Enrico Koelling, which he has successfully maintained to this day, along with the addition of WBC and WBO titles.
His recent victory in over Callum Smith was a boxing masterclass. Beterbiev decisively defeated a deserving and gritty opponent which solidified his position as the ruler of the light-heavyweight division and now continues to be motivated by a one last objective: undisputed world champion.
Rarely have boxers in any of the divisions across boxing have managed to unify all four main championship belts, more so in modern times, it seems. Beterbiev's accomplishment of this feat, should he become undisputed, would not only solidify his status as one of the sport's all-time greatest of his division, but also establish him as an icon of the sport. But one man stands in his way, the undefeated 33 year old Russian, Dmitry Bivol (22-0, 11 KO's).
Boxing has had many champions and even in the world of boxing now, boasts a lot of individual champions, but very few undisputed. For Artur Beterbiev, taking Dmitry Bivol's fourth and final belt of the division, is joining boxing legends and cementing his legacy.
Bivol, known for his precision and efficiency, has a unique boxing style that relies on quick footwork, sharp jabs, and ring IQ, which has seen him defeat some huge names, none no bigger than Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez. His ability to control the pace of the fight and adapt to his opponents' on the go, makes for a tasty fight should his path cross with Beterbiev.
Bivol has not really achieved a legitimate knockout in the past six years; he is enough to dominate a win on points and does not actively pursue the knockout. A Bivol win by KO isn't really on the cards, with a KO percentage of around 50%, however, Bivol will attempt to outbox him and win on points, as he did in the Canelo fight, which many would argue was more difficult than Beterbiev. But, this is boxing, and styles do matter; when facing a fighter as dangerous as Beterbiev, you can't rule anything out.
No one can truly say for sure what will happen when these two giants of the sport clash, but one thing can be said for sure, it will be an exciting event that will be sure to captivate the masses of boxing, both hardcore and casuals alike.
Who wins this fight and how? Comment below and join the conversation!