The first fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was a masterclass, a clash of styles that showcased the very best of boxing. Its closeness and high quality made it an instant classic for purists, and the anticipation for the rematch is palpable. The rematch isn’t just a big fight; it’s the biggest fight that can be made in the light heavyweight division, and probably in all of boxing right now.

The narrative surrounding the first fight heavily favored Bivol. Beterbiev was coming off a significant injury and subsequent surgery, forcing a postponement of the first fight which was scheduled for the Matchroom v Queensbury 5v5. This period of inactivity would have hampered his training and preparation. Bivol, on the other hand, appeared to be in peak condition, having had a fight in between and executed his game plan flawlessly for much of the fight. It was a tactical battle, with Bivol using his superior movement and boxing skills to keep Beterbiev at bay. While it was a very close fight, many felt (myself included) Bivol had done enough to earn the victory, the judges saw it differently. Beterbiev’s late surge, where he demonstrably increased the pressure and landed some telling blows, clearly swayed the decision in his favor.

The rematch presents a different dynamic. Beterbiev will enter the ring fully fit and having had a complete training camp. This is crucial. He won’t be battling the lingering effects of injury or ring rust. The momentum from his late-round performance in the first fight, coupled with his improved physical condition, gives him a significant psychological edge and heightens his ability to cut the ring off to nullify Bivols movement.

Bivol, while undoubtedly a world-class fighter, faces a difficult challenge. He knows he needs to slightly adjust his strategy to avoid a repeat of the late-round fade he experienced in the first encounter. The danger for Bivol lies in the potential for him to overcompensate. He might feel pressured to take more risks, to plant his feet for just a fraction of a second longer to try and secure a round. This could be precisely what Beterbiev wants. It would create openings for Beterbiev’s devastating power punches, the kind of punches that can end a fight in an instant. Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and concussive power are his greatest weapons, and if Bivol gives him even a sliver of an opportunity, Beterbiev will capitalise.

While I anticipate another closely contested battle, I believe the rematch will end with a stoppage. Beterbiev’s improved fitness, combined with the psychological boost of his first victory and the potential for Bivol to take more risks, will be the deciding factors. I predict that Beterbiev will wear Bivol down and secure a knockout in the later rounds. I’m going between rounds 10 and 12.

1. October 12, 2024: Defeated Dmitry Bivol (MD 12)
2. January 13, 2024: Defeated Callum Smith (TKO 7)  
3. January 28, 2023: Defeated Anthony Yarde (TKO 8)
4. June 18, 2022: Defeated Joe Smith Jr. (TKO 2)
5. December 17, 2021: Defeated Marcus Browne (KO 9)

1. October 12, 2024: Lost to Artur Beterbiev (MD 12)
2. June 1, 2024: Defeated Malik Zinad (TKO 6)
3. December 23, 2023: Defeated Lyndon Arthur (UD)
4. November 5, 2022: Defeated Gilberto Ramirez (UD)
5. May 7, 2022: Defeated Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (UD)