In a much-anticipated match-up, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off in Saudi Arabia on June 1. The announcement, made by Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in the Kingdom, has sparked excitement among boxing fans worldwide.
Beterbiev, the reigning champion of the WBO, WBC, and IBF light heavyweight titles, currently holds the top spot in ESPN's light heavyweight rankings. He also ranks seventh in their pound-for-pound boxer list. Bivol, on the other hand, holds the WBA title and is ranked second among light heavyweights and fourth in the pound-for-pound rankings.
The fight between Beterbiev, 39, and Bivol, 33, brings together two highly skilled Russian boxers. Although Beterbiev now resides in Quebec, Canada, he will be returning to his roots to compete against Bivol. Beterbiev's most recent victory came in the form of a seventh-round TKO against former super middleweight champion Callum Smith. This win ensured that he remained on course for a clash with Bivol. Interestingly, Beterbiev is known for his incredible knockout ratio as he boasts an impressive 100% KO record.
Bivol, meanwhile, has a notable victory over none other than boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez. His triumph showcased his exceptional jab, footwork, and ring intelligence. In his last bout, which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bivol secured a dominant decision win against Lyndon Arthur, further solidifying his standing in the division.
The upcoming fight between Beterbiev and Bivol is highly anticipated and is expected to be one for the books. It represents a clash of styles as Bivol is considered a classical boxer, while Beterbiev is known for his powerful boxing-punching style. The match promises to be an intriguing battle of skill, technique, and power.
Adding to the excitement, the undercard for the event will feature a series of five fights between Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing stable and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. This adds another layer of anticipation for fans who will be treated to an evening of high-quality boxing.
As the date draws nearer, the boxing world eagerly awaits the showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol. With both fighters at the top of their game and holding impressive records, this fight has all the ingredients to become one of the most memorable moments in the history of the light heavyweight division.
