This fight is on this Saturday in the USA or Sunday morning if you are in the U.K. How does everyone see this one playing out and why? Bivol is clearly the favourite here but this should provide a good test for him.
Only test might be if he can take a big punch, if Smith lands. Besides that Bivol already beat better opposition without much trouble, under which a guy that already outboxed Smith. Late stoppage for Bivol
Smith will be being outboxed for 3 or 4 rounds, then Joe lands a massive bomb on Bivol, and its over.
Got a bit of a feeling that Bivol is a hard dude and can take a hit. I feel like its going to be a good fight for first 6 rounds and Bivol then takes Smith out around round 9 or 10. However with light heavy the way it is at the moment if Smith Jr gets some wins with DAZN after he can get back to another title shot.
I hope smith gets the win. Bivol was a bit boring in his last fight, I’d like to see him more aggressive rather than play it safe
He doesn't have to be. Smith is heavy handed as ****. But yeah, I don't think Bivol's whiskers are rock solid or anything. He seemed a it bothered by Pascals power, and IIRC didn't react well toa shot from Broadhurst or Berridge.
This is a good match up because Smith Jr. is a strong and durable slugger with a lot of heart. But Bivol is at a totally different level altogether, moving quietly and consistently towards p4p-rankings. However, based on Bivol's last performance, this just might go 12. My prediction? Bivol will outbox Smith Jr. with his speed and mobility for 10 rounds and somebody will end the fight to save brave Joe in the 11th.
Good match up and a solid card as well. I’d pick Bivol to win this most likely by competitive yet clear decision. Smith will be dangerous and I don’t think he’s some huge underdog, just Bivol is a more well rounded fighter and should get the win. The bigger question is will he win by decision or ko.