Bivol & Beterbiev Ready to Settle Their Differences
There are few things in boxing that will excite fans like an undisputed champion. With how many major organizations that award world titles, it is rare for fighters, promoters, and organizers to agree on who should be duking it out for the undisputed title. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will be ready to see who the best lightweight in the world is on October 12.
Bivol is a dynamic fighter who can dictate different styles of fights to his opponent. While Bivol is best known for his 2022 win over Canelo Alvarez, there have been several high-profile victories during his 23-0 start to his career. What is nice for Bivol, according to online boxing news, is that he doesn’t need to lean on his power to win fights.
Bivol has nearly as many wins by decision as he does by knockout. Beterbiev is still looking to show he belongs after suffering a ruptured meniscus. Beterbiev hasn’t had another fighter with the power to stand and trade with him.
Beterbiev has won all 20 of his career fights by KO. Can that continue?
Will the Injury Matter?
Beterbiev is a fighter who has always leaned on being explosive. Will he have the same ability coming off an injury? What has always made Beterbiev special is his ability to cut off the ring from his opponent.
The latest boxing news online shows that Beterbiev is 39 and has struggled with injuries over the last few years. That slowdown may be devastating when fighting a boxer like Bivol. Bivol is a technician who can throw a variety of punches. He can put a strong pace on his opponents and should do the same to Beterbiev. Bivol isn’t taking this fight lightly either.
During the promotional period leading up to the fight, Bivol was asked if beating Beterbiev would mean more to him than beating Canelo. Despite Canelo’s star around the world, Bivol said it would.
“It’s not about personality, it’s about the belt,” Bivol said. “Of course fighting for the belt is more meaningful for me, to be marked in history. It’s a lot. Of course it’s more meaningful.
”Expect a fun fight, but Bivol should have the speed and ability to pick up a win here.
Bets to consider: Fight to go the distance, Bivol three-way moneyline (-137)
Wardley Wants to Hang Onto Title
Fabio Wardley thought he would be able to bully Frazer Clark to make another defense of his British heavyweight title. But that’s not how things turned out. When the two met at 02 Arena in March, Clark and Wardley put on a fun back-and-forth fight that saw the fight ruled a split-draw.
Now, the two men are going to try and run things back. Clark has climbed the ranks quickly since turning professional in 2022. Winning his first eight professional bouts earned him a shot with Wardley last March. What made Clark stand out from the pack, according to heavyweight boxing news, was his amateur background.
Clark won the bronze medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Wardley won his first 17 professional fights before settling for a draw. Expect another close fight in this contest.
Bets to consider: Under 10.5 rounds, Clarke +120
Opetaia Defends IBF Cruiserweight Title
Jai Opetaia is a heavy favorite for defending his belt. Opetaia plans to make life difficult for Jack Massey. Opetaia has won 19 of his 25 career fights by knockout.
He picked up the IBF cruiserweight title by beating Mairis Briedis by unanimous decision in May. Massey is a former IBO cruiserweight champion but has taken a few losses during his career.
This will be a fight in which Opetaia should be able to work from the outside and win via decision. Massey doesn’t have the top-level competition on his resume that screams contender. Opetaia will be wanting to put on a showcase during a big event.
Bets to consider: Over. 7.5 rounds, Opetaia by decision
Nicolson is Heavy Favorite to Win the Featherweight Title
Skye Nicolson has done a good job of establishing herself as the top dog in the WBC female featherweight division. Nicolson must find a way to knock out opponents to pick up more name recognition moving forward.
During Nicolson’s professional career, she has been more of a tactician, winning 10 of her 11 games by decision. Nicolson’s next fight will also be a new challenge. Raven Chapman is 9-0 in her career and has seen seven go the distance.
There’s no value in this fight unless you like Chapman, a heavy underdog, or the fight ends by knockout. Chapman will likely struggle to keep up with Nicolson, who should be able to lean on her strong jab to pick up a win.
Bets to consider: Pass
Can Showman Continue His Dazzling Ways?
Ben Whittaker is an excellent talker. He also knows how to entertain the fans. But the difficulty with being known for showboating is that you must maintain excellence in all areas of your game if you want to continue to do so moving forward.Whittaker has been able to maintain his perfect 8-0 record so far, but will have a different test this weekend during a 175-pound bout with Liam Cameron. Cameron is 23-6 in his career and coming off a loss.
However, he is a respected veteran fighter. Whittaker won his first championship fight in June, collecting the IBF international light heavyweight title in a unanimous decision win over Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka. Whittaker has collected five wins by knockout during his career.He should add another one to his tally.
Bets to consider: Whittaker by KO/TKO/DQ
Here’s a look at the rest of the fights on the card not mentioned above:
Mohammed Aalakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez
Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
By Dean McHugh
