Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off for the second time in just four months, rekindling discussions and debates over their previous encounter. In their last meeting in October, Beterbiev claimed the undisputed light heavyweight title after a closely contested majority decision that left fans divided over the scoring. While Beterbiev won on the official scorecards, many media outlets leaned towards Bivol, making the rematch necessary to settle the dispute.
Bivol recognizes the need to maintain his stamina throughout the fight, having slowed down during the late rounds of their previous matchup. He remarked on the importance of not taking any rounds off this time, aiming to dominate each round consistently. “I have to be better, I have to win each round without a doubt,” Bivol expressed, signifying his commitment to a more aggressive and sustained performance.
For Beterbiev, the first fight was also a significant milestone as it marked the first time any opponent managed to take him the distance, a feat that added a new layer of challenge to his fighting style. He hopes to implement an even more forceful approach in the rematch, leveraging his reputation for a pressure-based fighting style to secure a stoppage victory this time.
The highly anticipated rematch, taking place on February 22 in Riyadh, is part of a stellar fight card dubbed the “Fight Card of the Century” by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh. Despite changes in the lineup due to last-minute withdrawals, the card features several exciting matchups, including heavyweight battles and WBC title fights, showcasing rising stars like Joseph Parker and Shakur Stevenson.
Betting odds reflect the intense competition between the two fighters, with Beterbiev slightly favored at -130 against Bivol at +105. As both fighters prepare, the anticipation builds for tactical adjustments down the stretch as Bivol aims to exploit the knowledge gained from their first fight.
With both fighters having the opportunity to improve upon their previous performances, fans can look forward to an exhilarating rematch that promises to provide clarity in this fierce rivalry. Bivol’s focus on stamina and tactical change, alongside Beterbiev’s determination to dominate early, suggests that this matchup could redefine their legacies in the light heavyweight division.