This week’s panellists were asked to imagine what happens when Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev share a ring
Gary Logan (Coach)
A dream fight: formidable boxer vs. formidable box-puncher. Bivol’s style and head movement causes problems for Beterbiev as he not faced such a man as skilled as Bivol as a pro. The problem for Bivol is that Beterbiev is a better boxer than given credit for and hits damn hard to head and body. I can either see Beterbiev getting a late stoppage or Bivol producing a boxing display for the ages. If I’m betting, I go Beterbiev.
Chris Billam-Smith (European cruiserweight champion)
One of the fights of our generation. I think, if forced to pick, I’d go for Bivol on points. I think his footwork and concentration keep him out of trouble by taking the sting out of Beterbiev’s shots. Bivol doesn’t give much away and he punches too long for Beterbiev to get close.
Ryan Walsh (British featherweight champion)
Beterbiev is a beast but this is boxing and the better, more skilled and disciplined fighter is Bivol. My heart says it will be a Beterbiev KO but my head tells me Bivol will produce a masterful boxing display.
Joe Gallagher (Coach)
Bivol’s rising to the top at the right time whereas Beterbiev’s had a bit of inactivity now with that injury. He’s got to get past Anthony Yarde first, but, provided he does, that’s a really good fight. I feel it’s a case of one fighter being on the way up and the other on the way down. You can’t rule out Beterbiev because of his punching ability but Bivol’s all-round boxing skills should be enough to nick a win.