Shakur Stevenson’s Perspective
Shakur Stevenson, a rising star in the boxing world, has a clear take on the upcoming rematch between Dmitry Bovel and Artur Beterbiev. Stevenson believes that Bivol’s victory is contingent on his ability to finish stronger than he did in their first encounter last October in Riyadh. Bivol, with a record of 23-1 and 12 KOs, faces a formidable opponent in Beterbiev, who is known for his relentless pressure and mental fortitude. Stevenson’s assessment hinges on the critical second half of the fight, where Bivol’s mental and physical resilience will be put to the test.
Mental Warfare
The first fight between Beterbiev and Bivol was a testament to the psychological battle that often unfolds in the ring. In the latter rounds, Bivol appeared to wilt under the relentless pressure from Beterbiev, both mentally and physically. He seemed to retreat, refusing to engage in meaningful exchanges after taking some significant hits. This behavior is not new; Bivol has exhibited similar patterns in his bouts against Joe Smith Jr. and Lyndon Arthur. When Bivol is on top and landing shots, he performs admirably, but when faced with counterpunches, he tends to retreat into a defensive shell.
Beterbiev’s aggressive and relentless style exposed Bivol’s mental vulnerabilities in their initial bout. The first fight showcased Beterbiev’s ability to dominate and demoralize his opponent. If Beterbiev can replicate this performance in the rematch, it could be a short and brutal affair. Fans of pure boxing may find this disheartening, but it’s a pattern that has been evident in Bivol’s career. He excels against easier opponents but struggles when the pressure is on.
Bivol’s Safety-First Style
Shakur Stevenson’s support for Bivol is understandable, given their similar fighting styles. Both are known for their risk-averse approaches, which have contributed to their longevity in the sport. Bivol’s safety-first style, while effective in extending his reign as the WBA light heavyweight champion for seven years, has also limited his popularity. Despite holding a major title for such a long period, Bivol has struggled to become a household name, largely due to his conservative approach.
DAZN reporter Claudia Trejo highlighted Beterbiev’s determination and the quick turnaround for the rematch, noting that Beterbiev’s performance in the first fight was impressive, even at 80% capacity following knee surgery. She emphasized that Beterbiev is a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division, a sentiment echoed by Ade Oladipo, who described Beterbiev’s ability to "empty his tool bag" and deliver a perfect performance.
Bivol’s Need to Evolve
For Bivol to stand a chance in the rematch, he will need to make significant changes to his approach. Claudia Trejo suggests that Bivol must be more aggressive and willing to engage in a more dynamic exchange. Sitting back and relying on his defensive tactics may not be enough against a predator like Beterbiev. Bivol will need to stay in the pocket, bang it out, and go toe-to-toe to have any hope of winning. However, changing a well-ingrained fighting habit is no easy task. It’s akin to a person trying to quit smoking; many struggle to break the habit, and Bivol may find it challenging to alter his style, especially under the intense pressure of a Beterbiev onslaught.
Beterbiev’s Dominance
Artur Beterbiev is a formidable force in the light heavyweight division, known for his unforgiving style and mental toughness. His ability to break down opponents with relentless pressure and precision strikes makes him a boogeyman in the weight class. In their first fight, Beterbiev demonstrated his superior skillset and mental edge, systematically wearing down Bivol over the course of the bout. If Beterbiev can maintain this level of performance, the rematch could be a decisive affair, further cementing his status as the division’s dominant figure.
The Future of the Rematch
The boxing community is divided on the outcome of the rematch. While some, like Shakur Stevenson and Claudia Trejo, believe that Bivol has a chance if he can finish stronger, others are skeptical. Ade Oladipo’s assessment that Bovel’s first fight was nearly perfect but still fell short against Beterbiev’s superior performance suggests that the odds are stacked against Bivol. The rematch has the potential to be a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers, with Beterbiev looking to solidify his dominance and Bivol aiming to prove his resilience and adaptability. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of the light heavyweight division.
