a rematch between Bivol and Beterbiev is pretty unlikely, and it mostly comes down to a mix of timing and risk. Beterbiev's team probably doesn’t want to take the fight because Bivol gave him serious trouble in their first bout. Even though Beterbiev won officially, many thought Bivol should’ve won. That’s a tough situation to walk into again, especially for a guy like Beterbiev, who’s known for his knockout power (first decision fight). If Bivol keeps up his slick, technical style, it might expose Beterbiev more than they’d like. Plus, Beterbiev's team knows he’s getting older—he’s 39 now. They probably want to avoid a situation where Beterbiev risks his belts or legacy in a fight that’s super hard to win convincingly again. Instead, they’re likely looking for other matchups that don’t carry the same risk So, unless something crazy happens with the rankings or titles, don’t hold your breath for that rematch!
good point. if beterbiev’s team is ducking the bivol rematch, they still gotta chase a big-name fight to get paid. canelo alvarez is probably the biggest cash cow (if he accepts a fight for under 900m lol) —he’s fought at light heavyweight before, and a fight with beterbiev would pull major hype. plus, david benavidez is coming up fast, so that’s another solid option. both of these fights are big money makers and might be a little less dangerous than going up against bivol again, while still giving beterbiev a to keep his belts
I have a different opinion. Beterbiev has become accustomed to Bivol's power and style, and he may feel more confident attacking aggressively compared to the first match. He would likely be furious that his 100% knockout record was disrupted.
I think at this point all these boxers just do what the Arabs tell them to do. Bivol was calling his new master 'his excellency' in that latest interview and waiting to see what was next for him. The fact Bivol says his master told him he won and wants to do the rematch makes it pretty likely Beter is also informed by 'his excellency' to be ready for the rematch and will comply. To his credit there is one exception, one boxer who would not comply with the Arab overlords. It's AJ. He stood his ground and refused to fight Wilder on multiple cards.
Tbf he just had a normally career ending injury a few months ago. With more time to heal and get back to 100%, he might do better in the next fight. There were some adjustments he could have made like taking advantage of bivol shelling up with body punches that would make a big difference.
And Beterbievs team think that he can do better in the rematch No injury and no rush. Beterbiev was looking fresher in 11th round than Bivol. try to explain that MF'ers
Why is a rematch between them unlikely ? Beterbiev can definitely improve in a rematch he can target the body more and be more assertive earlier. If anything now Beterbiev has fought Bivol who pretty much fought as well as he could regarding tactics. There's no reason Beterbiev wouldn't be confident or willing to take a rematch considering how strong he finished in the fight. I mean what other fights are there for Beterbiev ? There's no other big fights at Light Heavyweight for him apart from Bivol. He's unlikely to move up to Cruiserweight to fight the likes of Opetaia who's considerably bigger. Unless Beterbiev can lure Canelo or Benavidez into a fight which I doubt, the only logical fight for Beterbiev is Bivol quite honestly.
At his age I don't see the point in a rematch for Beterbiev, maybe a fight with Benavidez . Canelo ain't going anywhere near Artur without a bodyguard but there is a guy at cruiser Opeitia I'd like to see Beterbiev fight. I mean he looks like he's 195lbs when he enters the ring anyway.
Beterbiev vs Canelo is the best fight to make next. Though I was in the camp that believed Bivol won ( or should have been a draw), so would want Bivol to get a second chance because he did so well first time round. But the big money fight is clearly Beterbiev vs Canelo and it would be exciting too.