Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Fight Card, Odds, & Predictions

On Oct. 12, the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will play host to the undisputed light heavyweight world title showdown between reigning IBF, WBC, and WBO world light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev and current WBA world light heavyweight title holder Dmitry Bivol.

Both boxing superstars hold perfect professional records, but Beterbiev’s 100% finish rate gives him the upper hand to become the betting favorite with -140 boxing odds. Meanwhile, Bivol comes in as the slight betting underdog at +120.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Odds

• Artur Beterbiev: -140
• Dmitry Bivol: +120

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Prediction

The youth and technical fighting style of Bivol (+120) will be the biggest factor heading into the match, and I predict that it will be enough to secure him a unanimous decision win over Beterbiev (-140).

The tale of the tape between Beterbiev and Bivol is almost identical. They both stand at 6 feet, but the former has an inch of reach advantage against the latter. Both have an immaculate record and fight in an orthodox stance, but Beterbiev flaunts a 100% finish rate against Bivol’s 52% TKO/KO rate.

One big difference between the two is their age. Beterbiev is already 39 years old, while Bivol is still only 33. This is an interesting factor heading into the match, especially for Beterbiev, because it would determine if he can defeat Father Time. Bivol, on the other hand, is still at his peak.

Both have a different stylistic approach. Beterbiev is a relentless offensive boxer who tries to finish his fights via stoppage. His one-shot knockout power gives him the confidence to pursue the finish. Furthermore, he likes to pressure his opponents and force them to fight on their back foot for most of a match. However, his defense is something that has yet to be fully exploited.

Meanwhile, Bivol is a technician who maximizes his fight IQ to break down his opponents and frustrate them. This style allows him to use several tricks from his sleeve and cruise into a comfortable decision victory. Although naysayers and pundits criticize him for not having a fan-friendly style, he would still operate like a surgeon inside the ring.

As mentioned earlier, the interesting factor in this match is the age gap between the two fighters. Beterbiev is almost 40 and is arguably out of his prime. Although he still packs the same knockout power, his speed and movement are probably slowing down. With a cerebral opponent like Bivol, he may exploit Beterbiev’s defensive deficiencies and would be happy to be the counterpuncher and coast to another decision victory.

Only 𝐎𝐍𝐄 will 𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍 👑

An 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐃 night of boxing awaits⏳#BeterbievBivol | #RiyadhSeason | Oct 12, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/1wthMX3IwY

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) October 11, 2024

Artur Beterbiev Recent Fight Results

Beterbiev was a former two-time Olympian before he became a professional fighter in 2013. 

Since turning pro, he hasn’t been defeated and has won several titles, including minor championships like the NABA Light Heavyweight title, the WBO NABO Light Heavyweight title, the IBF North American Light Heavyweight title, and the WBO International Light Heavyweight title.

The Russian-born boxer, now residing in Canada, defeated Enrico Koelling in November 2017 to win the IBF World Light Heavyweight title, his first major belt.

Eventually, he added eight more victories to his record and added the WBC and WBO world titles to his collection. 

His latest victory was against Callum Smith in January via a seventh-round TKO to maintain his 100% finish rate.

Dmitry Bivol Recent Fight Results

Bivol made his professional debut in November 2014. He racked up 11 straight wins before being given the opportunity to fight for his first world title in November 2017 against Trent Broadhurst for the WBA World Light Heavyweight title. 

He knocked out Broadhurst to collect the vacant belt and start his unbeatable run as the titleholder.

Following that world title breakthrough, the Russian boxing star fended off 11 challengers to remain the WBA champion. 

His two biggest wins during this stretch were against Canelo Álvarez in May 2022 and Gilberto Ramirez in November 2022, both via unanimous decision. 

Bivol’s latest triumph was a sixth-round TKO win over Malik Zinad in June.

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Tale of the Tape

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Date and Start Time

Oct. 12, 6 p.m. E.T.

Oct. 12, 5 p.m. C.T.

Oct. 12, 4 p.m. M.T.

Oct. 12, 3 p.m. P.T.