The First Encounter: A Clash of Titans
Their first encounter was a close, competitive battle that demanded a rematch, and on Saturday, February 22nd, the undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) will defend his crown against Dmitry Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN PPV. For a while, Beterbiev and Bivol were two world champions on a collision course, and many boxing fans doubted the matchup would ever materialize. However, the fans were ultimately rewarded with a highly competitive event. In May 2022, Dmitry Bivol, the WBA light-heavyweight world champion, gained notoriety by defeating the pound-for-pound star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who was attempting to become a two-time light-heavyweight champion. Bivol’s jab and footwork were key to his victory, as he dictated the fight’s pace and landed sharp combinations, ultimately winning by unanimous decision.
Bivol’s Ascendancy: From Alvarez to Beterbiev
Bivol’s victory over Canelo Alvarez was just the beginning of his impressive run. He followed it up with a win over Gilberto "Zurdo" Ramirez and successfully defended his title twice more before setting his sights on the ultimate prize. Back in November 2017, Artur Beterbiev, a fast-rising contender, took advantage of a big opportunity when he knocked out Enrico Kolling in the 12th round to win the vacant IBF light-heavyweight world title. Beterbiev’s journey to becoming a unified champion continued when he stopped Oleksandr Gvozdyk, the WBC belt holder. In June 2022, Beterbiev destroyed Joe Smith, stopping him in the second round to win the WBO strap. He then added knockout victories against Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith to his resume, setting the stage for his showdown with Bivol.
The First Fight: A Masterclass in Strategy
In October 2024, the undefeated WBO, WBC, IBF light-heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev faced the undefeated WBA champion Dmitry Bivol. The opening round was dominated by Bivol, who used his movement and jab to control the pace. However, in the final seconds of the round, Beterbiev connected with a solid 2-3 combination, setting the tone for the rest of the fight. The match quickly evolved into a classic showdown between a knockout artist and a ring technician. Beterbiev, the aggressor, pressed forward, looking to land his power shots, while Bivol boxed well off the back foot. In the 7th round, Bivol landed a solid combination, but Beterbiev responded with multiple shots, controlling the remainder of the round.
Beterbiev’s Triumph: A Dream Realized
The rest of the bout saw Beterbiev fighting off the front foot, while Bivol landed counter shots off the back foot. At the conclusion of the 12-round fight, Artur Beterbiev emerged victorious via majority decision, achieving his dream of becoming an undisputed world champion. The judges’ scores reflected Beterbiev’s constant pressure and success with landing his power shots, despite Bivol’s effective boxing. However, the rematch is upon us, and Bivol will have a second opportunity to realize his own dream of becoming undisputed.
Preparing for the Rematch: Bivol’s Strategy
During a recent interview with Sky Sports, Dmitry Bivol discussed the changes he must make to be successful in his rematch against Artur Beterbiev. Bivol emphasized the need to be faster, stronger, and in better condition. Given that Beterbiev’s aggression swayed the judges in the first fight, Bivol might be tempted to assert himself more and operate inside the pocket for brief periods during the rematch. This strategic adjustment could be crucial in securing the victory he seeks.
The Rematch: A Battle for Supremacy
The Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 rematch is set to be an exciting, action-packed bout, as both fighters are familiar with each other’s styles. On Saturday, February 22nd, live on DAZN PPV, Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 is undoubtedly must-see TV. The question remains: will the result of the rematch be a repeat of the first bout, or will Bivol achieve his revenge and claim the undisputed title? The stage is set for a thrilling encounter that could redefine the light-heavyweight division.
