BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The upcoming fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol is poised to be a defining moment in the realm of light heavyweight boxing. Scheduled for October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this clash for the undisputed light heavyweight championship is drawing attention not just for its stakes, but also due to the contrasting styles and mindsets of the fighters involved. Veteran boxer Lionel ‘Lonnie B’ Thompson has weighed in on this matchup, providing insightful commentary on why he believes Beterbiev holds a significant advantage over Bivol.
A primary factor in assessing the likelihood of success in a boxing match lies in the fighting styles of the competitors. Thompson posits that Bivol, the WBA champion with an unblemished record of 23 wins and no losses, lacks the ‘killer instinct’ necessary to emerge victorious against the ferocious Beterbiev, who boasts a perfect 20-0 record with all of his victories coming by way of knockout. When examining the raw power and aggressive fighting style that Beterbiev embodies, it becomes apparent why Thompson has chosen to align himself with the latter in this matchup.
Bivol is renowned for his technical prowess and ability to evade punches. His style is largely defensive, focusing on scoring points while minimizing risk. This approach, while effective against some opponents, raises eyebrows when pitted against a powerhouse like Beterbiev, who thrives on pressure and punishes vulnerabilities with unyielding force. According to Thompson, the fight dynamics shift dramatically when Bivol enters the ring with a mentality geared toward survival rather than dominance.
Recent Performances: A Comparative View
Thompson suggests that Bivol’s previous encounters lend credence to his skepticism. He referenced Beterbiev’s match against Callum Smith earlier in the year, wherein Beterbiev was tasked with absorbing and countering heavy punches from a tall and rangy boxer. Smith proved to be a formidable challenge, showcasing a fighting style that pushed Beterbiev and kept the bout engaging for several rounds. However, it appears that Bivol’s tendency to avoid confrontation limits his ability to capitalize on a fight’s momentum, inhibiting his capacity to impose his will in the ring.
The lackluster performance against Canelo Alvarez is a pivotal point in Thompson’s arguments. He emphatically states that Bivol’s failure to dominate Alvarez, a smaller fighter, illustrates his cautious nature—a mindset that might backfire against someone as fierce as Beterbiev. Bivol’s reluctance to engage aggressively could be his downfall, especially when facing an opponent who relishes the chance to absorb hits for the sake of delivering even harder blows in return.
In boxing, the ‘killer instinct’—an inherent urge to finish a fight when an opponent is vulnerable—is often the distinguishing factor between great fighters and exceptionally great ones. Thompson believes this trait is noticeably absent in Bivol. Instead of seeking a knockout, Bivol frequently opts for a conservative strategy, submitting to a style focused on points rather than decisive victories. Such tactics may have worked well for him in the past, but Beterbiev’s unyielding aggressiveness could exploit these hesitations.
The contrast in mentality between the two fighters further underscores the narrative. While Beterbiev may take risks to inflict damage, Bivol is characterized as playing it safe, which might not serve him well when the stakes are high. As Thompson candidly summarizes, “If you’re trying not to get robbed, knock him out.” This highlights the realization that in high-stakes boxing, merely winning isn’t enough; one must dominate if they hope to silence critics and secure their legacy.
As the fight date approaches, the anticipation surrounding Beterbiev versus Bivol intensifies. By breaking down their strengths and weaknesses, alongside insights from seasoned boxers like Lonnie Thompson, a clear picture emerges: Beterbiev’s aggressive nature and striking power will likely pose challenges that Bivol’s defensive tactics may struggle to navigate. With the world watching on October 12th, fans of the sport are in for a thrilling showcase of the art of boxing—one that underscores the sheer unpredictability that makes this sport a spectacle.
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