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Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2: Who has the edge going into the rematch?
The two greatest light heavyweights of their generation are set to run it back as undisputed light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev puts his crown on the line against Dmitry Bivol in a highly-anticipated rematch at Riyadh Season's The Last Crescendo at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and live on DAZN pay-per-view, which can be purchased here .
Their first fight was a thriller as Beterbiev managed to just edge Bivol via majority decision in October.
Here, DAZN News explores the question: Who has the edge heading into the Beterbiev-Bivol sequel?
Boxing skills
The Beterbiev-Bivol original clash had Bivol asserting a prodding jab early that not only won him rounds but disrupted Beterbiev’s offense and forceful flow over large stretches of their fight.
Beterbiev had to reset his offense multiple times due to Bivol’s jab. With his nimble footwork, Bivol was able to use that stick to control the distance and maintain that ring real estate for numerous rounds.
When it comes to the sweet science, Bivol has the edge.
Edge: Bivol
Power punching
Beterbiev had his best moments of the bout when he fought on the front foot, dictated the pace and imposed his will.
It was then that he was able to walk through traffic and piece together power combinations, especially after investing to the body with deposits from the fifth round on.
On DAZN’s Run the Tape, where both Beterbiev and Bivol reviewed their October fight, Beterbiev criticized his own power, saying: “If the referee is not counting it, I don’t think about anything.”
Although he was not able to manufacture a knockout for the first time in his pro career, Beterbiev has the more potent power.
Edge: Beterbiev
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Defense
On one hand, Bivol did not experience any trouble splitting Beterbiev’s guard with the jab and subsequent combinations.
His own toughest critic upon reviewing the tape, Beterbiev even commented to DAZN about the lax in his guard: “My left hand is a little bit lower. I’m always looking for mistakes, some wrong things.”
Still, when Beterbiev fought on the front foot and stalked Bivol around the ring, there was little that the former WBA light heavyweight champion could do to keep Beterbiev off of him.
The majority decision was ultra close, but Bivol holds the slightest edge on defense.
Edge: Bivol
Stamina
Prior to their October fight, Beterbiev never needed to go a full 12 rounds as he finished his opponents for a stunning 20 knockouts in 20 pro fights.
Still, Beterbiev, as the older man, grew in strength as the bout went on toward his first full-distance showing.
Beterbiev is now 40 to Bivol’s 34, with the latter having a lot more experience winning big fights by decision, including unanimous nods over Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez.
Perhaps that will spark Beterbiev’s urgency to deliver a knockout. But the longer this sequel goes, one has got to think that the younger Bivol is better conditioned for the haul.
Edge: Bivol
Mental Warfare
The way Beterbiev invested to the body and began walking Bivol down to change the complexion of their fight cannot be overlooked.
He willed himself to victory as the more convincing fighter and until Bivol can change that with an overwhelming punch volume, the mental edge goes to the reigning undisputed light heavyweight world champion.
Edge: Beterbiev
Who has the edge in Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2?
We should not be surprised that the answer to this question is a close call — just like the first fight itself. After all, one judge even scored that bout a draw.
The edge is Bivol's, ever so slightly, at 3-2. Will this be enough for him to avenge the loss, become the new undisputed champion and potentially spark a trilogy fight?
He has already stated he was not happy with his first fight performance, revealing to DAZN a change in training this time to improve things. He says he needs to be 150 percent to win. Wil he achieve that aim?
Find out on DAZN PPV on Saturday night.
Watch Beterbiev vs Bivol and Dubois vs Parker live on DAZN PPV
Watch Beterbiev versus Bivol and the full Last Crescendo fight card, including Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View.
The PPV is available to buy now at £19.99 in UK and $25.99 in US.
Buying the DAZN PPV offers a range of extra benefits. including alternative commentary options with Adam Smith or True Geordie or Showbizz the Adult ; local language commentary; entry to a prize draw for tickets to Chris Eubank Jr. vs Connor Benn* (for UK only); and a seven-day free trial of the full DAZN platform.
Watch the fight night anywhere with DAZN via smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, games consoles, streaming devices and PC's / laptops.
For PPV costs in your country and to buy now, click here.
*UK only. Restrictions apply. See T&Cs on help.dazn.com. Full T&C's here
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