Sergey Alexandrovich Kovalev vs. Igor Gennadyevich Mikhalkin & Dmitry Bivol vs. Sullivan Barrera RBR

Round 5

Bivol is turning Barrera, catching body shot attempts down low and jabs up top on his copiously taped wrists. Bivol is doubling the power-jab and retracting seamlessly, threading in 1-2s unexpectedly after lulling Barrera (not that his jab is a shrinking violet itself, Barrera wary of letting even one jab land flush). Barrera is pushing both palms out together when Bivol punches, like a coach working mitts with his charge in the gym. Barrera unable to lay a glove on Bivol or get away from him so he's just preemptively opening his gloves and hoping to catch what he can. Bivol jabs around him or finds spots on the body to hit.

10-9 Bivol

50-45 Bivol

 

At least a little bit every round, yeah.

 

Round 6

Bivol is easing up a little, allowing Barrera to lead & get in some looping rights on the body while hooking away up top. Bivol still landing better with the counter jab and occasional firing-squad 1-2. Bivol is catching most of Barrera's jabs on the body on his elbows, but the looping shots are nicking a piece here and there. Barrera is huffing and puffing with most of his earnest power shots upstairs being picked off against Bivol's wrists, or missing outright.

10-9 Bivol

60-54 Bivol