Beterbiev may have fought officially at 175lbs, but he’s cutting water, naturally they’re the same size. Who wins this matchup?
I am going to go with the faster man here. Dempsey was very very quick. I think his speed would surprise Beterbiev. Beterbiev sort of goes into a shell when attacked instead of using head movement to counter (usually). I think Dempsey has more proven power vs bigger men. And i think him being the slightly taller man with faster hands and feet should get him a stoppage win within 6 rounds. However, if the fight goes beyond that, i don't know. Beterbiev, despite fighting in a 12 round era, has outstanding stamina. He has even scored a 12th round ko. So if Dempsey doesn't get him out of there, could Beterbiev come on strong late and win? Possibly. One thing is for sure: Dempsey will likely get stunned. He did vs Carpentier and i will bet my life that Beterbiev hits harder than Georges. Still, i favour the faster man in Dempsey to overwhelm and stop Beterbiev in six rounds. Would a Beterbiev win shock me? Not really.
Dempsey was too good for Beterbiev who I do like very much. However Dempsey was faster, hit harder and was just in a league above.
Beterbiev would catch him between punches, hurt him repeatedly and finish him in 8. Jack was too sloppy, lost focus, was a 4 round demon.
Dempsey is too proven against too many big power guys to pick a Beterbiev to beat him. That being said Dempsey fought a similar number of smaller ATG LHWs like Tunney, Gibbons and Miske and they all went the distance except Miske once. Carpentier had a little success at the start. The LHWs certainly did noticeably better against Dempsey than Fulton, Willard, Firpo and Morris did. That was the single best LHW generation and Beterbievs not as good as those guys and neither were the giants and maybe thats all there is to it but maybe a 175er with power would give Dempsey trouble. Wouldn't pick Beterbiev to win but wouldn't be stunned if he did pretty well.
