His performance against Gvozdyk was one of the best performances in modern boxing history. It should be compulsory viewing for all aspiring great pressure fighters. His gameplan and execution was a masterclass in how to break the body and spirit of a taller, longer, quicker, faster, highly technical opponent. It's harder to execute than he made it appear though. Beterbiev is going to be at least 38 when he fights Bivol. His performance against Smith Jr. tells me nothing about his chances against Bivol. We know hes still strong and tough. Styles make fights. Smith is there to be found. Bivol like Gvozdyk has to be tracked down and found. Is he still quick enough to find Bivol? Father time always wins.
Beterbiev is a beast, but father time remains undefeated. Can Beterbiev still muster the kind of performance he put together in the Gvozdyk fight? He will be at least 38 if and when he fights Bivol. I'll take Bivol in this match-up mostly because I'll be betting Beterbiev won't be able to sustain the pressure he needs to break down Bivol. Father time will make his presence felt.
You could be right regarding Beterbiev's age now, This is why the fans wanted this fight to happen at least going back 2-3 years, kind of just like Crawford/Spence & even Benavidez/Plant/Charlo just so late, Delaying it this much just kills the fight completely & we never get to see them fight 2-3 times if needed in rematches to establish the true winner under various circumstance's or even get to truly determine who was the better man between them in their prime or close to it.
There's absolutely no reason why this fight shouldn't have been Beterbiev's next fight. Both Bivol and he really want it but OG Bob had no interest in making it next and instead has made Beterbiev vs the completely undeserving Yarde in the UK. OG Bob knows Beterbiev is getting on in age, has become very injury prone, and will turn 38 in a couple of months and he also knows it's in Beterbiev's best interests to fight for undisputed while he's still at his best. He might not consider Yarde a threat but he considered Zurdo one for Bivol and he's been involved in the game long enough, longer than anyone in fact, to know you strike while the iron is hot.
Bivol has a considerable speed advantage, he knows how to use it and doesn't really overcommit, which will keep him in the fight. I still expect Beterbiev to wear him down but I think with the timing, Bivol has a good chance. Doubt Beterbiev will be willing to charge through him like he was doing to Gvozdyk.
Beterbiev is going to be 38 by the time he faces Bivol, assuming they do meet next year. Age WILL play a factor. Really have to see how Artur looks against Yarde.
Bivol may be the better boxer , but his punching power is only 6 out of 10 Beterbiev,s punching power 9.5 out of 10 so i,m going with Beterbiev for the win
