Barrera has opted to fight new crowd favorite Dmitry Bivol for the WBA Light Heavyweight strap at March 3rd 2018, instead of Kovalev for the WBO strap. Bivol recently got named full WBA beltholder after winning the interim version early this year, and defended it for the first time against completely overmatched Aussie Trent Broadhurst with a 1st round KO after only 12 fights and 3 years as a pro. While Barrera is known from the Ward loss, and beating Smith and Valera recently. Did Barrera take the right option, and can he beat one of the new generation LHW's, or is Bivol's skill and power too much to handle for him?
Barrera's improved since the Ward fight, but I don't think it'll be enough despite the experience advantage. Sullivan is a stiff test for Bivol, but one he should pass.
Barrera is a slow starter I think bivol will drop him early then smell blood and go for the kill he needs to get him out of there early and not let Sullivan adjust.
Well, Barrera is decent and by far Bivol's best opponent to date. Let's not forget it's a step up for him. That said, I can't look past Bivol. He has very fast hands and seems to heavy handed without having to load up too much. I agree with most that Barrera will go down a couple of times early but I do think he'll go the distance, perhaqps taking some of the later rounds but losing a decision
Barrera is made for Bivol who I expect to put on a clinic and stop SB in 8. Gvozdyk and Bivol are the future of the 175 division.
It's a 50-50 fight, too close to call. Sullivan Barrera is an underrated fighter. Dimitry Bivol is talented and capable, but has never fought anyone as good as Barrera.
Bivol either by UD with a KD or two, or by latish KO. Barrera is a good fighter, he boxes well, but at the end of the day if you believe in Bivol he ought to pull this one off. And I do.
Turns out Barrera really took a paycut fighting Bivol instead of Kovalev, but he thinks his chances are better. If he wins he's in a much better barganing position. If he loses though, like most think, it would have been a very stupid move.