Beterbiev and Bivol Set for Undisputed Light-Heavyweight Clash in Saudi Arabia

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, two unbeaten light-heavyweight boxers, will finally face off this weekend in what is being heralded as a historic clash for undisputed status. The match, which was previously postponed, is scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, 12 October 2024.

The 39-year-old Artur Beterbiev boasts a perfect record of 20 knockouts from 20 wins, showcasing his reputation as a devastating power puncher. In contrast, 33-year-old Dmitry Bivol, who remains undefeated with 23 wins, is known for his strategic volume punching. Both fighters, of Russian descent, hold all four light-heavyweight world titles between them.

The much-anticipated showdown will be broadcast live across various platforms, including DAZN worldwide and ESPN+ in the US and Canada. In the UK, viewers can also catch the event on Sky Sports Box Office and TNT Sports Box Office. The main card is expected to begin at 7 pm BST, with the fighters anticipated to make their ring walks around 11 pm BST.

Matthew Macklin, a Sky Sports pundit, expressed his views on the upcoming fight, indicating that Beterbiev’s power may give him the edge over Bivol. “I just think Beterbiev with 20 knockouts… He’s not just a massive puncher, he’s a very good fighter,” Macklin commented. Despite this, he acknowledged that many respect Bivol for his skillful boxing technique.

Bivol, in a pre-fight interview with Sky Sports, described the fight as a fulfillment of his long-held dream and aims to solidify his status among boxing greats. “It’s like I did everything right in my life. Because this is my goal,” Bivol stated, emphasizing the significance of the bout in his career.

Adding intrigue to the event, Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke are set for a heavyweight title rematch on the same card. Bivol’s most notable victory to date was over Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in 2022, further cementing his status as a formidable opponent in the ring.