This Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boxing fans will witness a highly anticipated matchup that will not only determine the best light heavyweight in the world but also establish the greatest 175-pound fighter of the generation. Artur Beterbiev, the only champion with a perfect knockout record, will defend his WBC, WBO, and IBF titles against Dmitry Bivol, who will put his WBA belt on the line in this clash.
For the past several years, Beterbiev and Bivol have reigned supreme in the light heavyweight division, but various circumstances have delayed their meeting. Since 2017, they have consistently outperformed their competitors, and they are both ranked among the top pound-for-pound fighters, with Bivol at No. 4 and Beterbiev at No. 6 on ESPN’s rankings. The odds for the fight reflect the intensity of the matchup, with Bivol slightly favored at -135 and Beterbiev at +110.
This contest eventually materializes just a few months shy of Beterbiev’s 40th birthday, having previously been scheduled for June before he underwent knee surgery. Fans have expressed frustration over the delay in this showdown as they have often been deprived of witnessing the top fighters face off.
Not all undisputed championship fights feature the best fighters in a weight class, as the politics of boxing can cloud the landscape. Last summer’s welterweight showdown between Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr., as well as the heavyweight bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, faced similar challenges before finally coming together.
For many fighters, becoming an undisputed champion is regarded as the pinnacle of professional boxing. Bivol, 33, stated, “This is the last step with achievement in professional boxing in every weight class. For me, it means my career was on the right path, and if I win, I’ll know I did everything correctly in boxing.”
Beterbiev, with a record of 20 wins and 20 KOs, shares this sentiment: “It’s the main goal in professional boxing, and everyone wants to achieve that.”
Roy Jones Jr. remains the last undisputed light heavyweight champion from the three-belt era, having vacated his title in 2000. This situation highlights the need for the Beterbiev-Bivol fight to definitively crown the champion in this storied division.
While the term “undisputed” may be fleeting due to the nature of boxing politics, the winner of this highly anticipated fight will rightfully claim the title of the best light heavyweight, according to experts in the sport. Bivol expressed enthusiasm about the stakes, sharing that a victory would affirm his hard work and dedication throughout his boxing career.
The struggle to finalize this matchup was exacerbated by the financial demands of both fighters. However, sources indicate both will earn around $10 million for the event. The fight arrangement has involved complex negotiations between rival promoters and networks, particularly given the varying broadcasting agreements. The main event will be available on ESPN+, while the undercard will be on DAZN.
In the past, this fight was close to taking place in St. Petersburg, Russia, where Bivol resides. However, following an unprecedented opportunity to fight Canelo Alvarez, Bivol pivoted and scored an upset victory, solidifying his place in boxing history. With past uncertainties now behind them, both fighters appear ready to deliver a memorable contest on Saturday.
With Bivol’s determination to challenge Beterbiev’s power and end his knockout streak, fans are poised for a classic matchup between a powerful puncher and a skilled boxer. As Bivol prepares for the ring walk, he knows this fight is pivotal in his boxing journey, and victory could affirm that he has indeed done everything right throughout his career.