After watching Bivol vs Beterbiev today, though the decision was a controversy, it was clear that Beterbiev's power gave Bivol a lot of trouble. Bivol moves around much more than Qawi which saved him, but in turn Qawi has better defense, more power and better distance management. Do y'all think Beterbiev's power would be too much for Qawi, or would Qawi still be too much for Beterbiev? Let's assume 12 rds. Bonus questions: How would Spinks and Saad fare?
Qawi is a smart guy, I think Artur achieved more it’s just I think Qawi can neutralise his power and anything that does get through… well Qawi wasn’t KO’d by George Foreman and took a beating that made him quit when he gassed, I think George would’ve got him with body shots had it gone on longer but I digress, he was very skilled and more experienced, though I will rewatch Arturs fights sooner or later and I might change my mind as he was an impressive fighter last time I watched, I haven’t even watched the Bivol fight yet.
Despite what Beter has accomplished, I still think it's hard to judge him in H2H hypos due to his lack of activity & big fights during what should've been his prime years. Regarding the thread hypos: -I'd expect Spinks to have too many physical advantages & beat him on points. -I'd give the edge to Qawi based on superior infighting technique. -vs. Saad is the toughest to call IMO ... if Beter can withstand Saad's firepower, I can envision him breaking/wearing him down.
Qawi was able to go 15 brutally even rounds with Evander Holyfield. That is a hell of a lot better than a decade plus of heavyweights did against Holyfield. I think Qawi beats Beterbiev. I would take Beterbiev without hesitation against Saad because of Saad's defensive limitations. Spinks would stop Beterbiev for sure IMO. All that said, I really like Beterbiev and think he is a handful for anyone at 175 but Spinks and Qawi are a no go for me.
