I was 50/50 before the fight but....

It’s not about stopping Beterbiev, it’s about beaking him down to the point where he’s little threat. Gvozdyk is not half the boxer Bivol is, he doesn’t have the speed, the combos, the movement, the IQ. Beterbiev has been down twice, Gvozdyk has been down atleast once (and badly hurt, has a glass chin in actuality). Bivol barely even gets hit, if you think Dienes and Gvozdyk can absorb 10rds of punishment, why do you think Beterbiev is going to demolish Bivol who has considerably better defense? Not to mention Bivol is 31-32, Beterbiev 37-38, the younger man will not be at any considerable disadvantage, no layoff, weight draining etc. Seems logical to have Bivol as an obvious favourite.

A stoppage is not unlikely for Bivol though, it’s not about punching power but styles and how easily Bivol can have Beterbiev frustrated and forcing things that he runs into a punch late while trying to turn the tide.

 

Gvozdyk was strong, and an Olympian. Neither Bivol nor the Nail have the professional experience to stand apart.

Even Dmitri Pirog believes Beterbiev will bludgeon Bivol. AB has seen Bivol's type before.