David Benavidez picks Bivol to defeat Artur Beterbiev

David Benavidez picks WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to defeat Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night in Riyadh. Benavidez gives Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) a “slight edge” in their undisputed light heavyweight championship on October 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Benavidez is the WBC mandatory and interim champion and may have a shot at that title next year. His chances of winning are arguably better against Bivol than against Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), who may be too strong for the volume hitter.

Beterbiev, 39, is the older fighter than the 33-year-old Bivol, and he enters the fight with doubts about the condition of his right knee. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in May 2024 and only had four months to recover from the surgery.

“I think Bivol has a slight advantage, but I don't know. It's a 50:50 fight. It’s going to be a great fight, but I think Bivol could come away with a win,” David Benavidez told Pro Boxing Fans, choosing Dmitry Bivol over Artur Beterbiev next Saturday night.

“This fight, Bivol and Beterbiev, has everything,” said broadcaster Adam Smith. “Do I lean towards one easily? Maybe Bivol, but Beterbiev boxed so well against Callum Smith that he can do it. He's not just an aggressive powerhouse; He can also box wonderfully.

“Bivol is a wonderful technician. He doesn't have the power of Beterbiev, but he has the skills. It's going to be so tight. It’s a wonderful fight.”

“Probably Beterbiev because he’s a very smart fighter and he can punch, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Bivol won,” Ben Whittaker said.

“I have always liked Bivol. It's not so much that he beat Callum Smith. That's how he did it. He did that. I thought what Beterbiev did was impressive,” said coach Dave Coldwell.

“He didn’t try hard at all. He just controlled everything. He controlled every little detail and mastered the pace really well, which is something you have to be able to do as you get older. That's why I choose Beterbiev, because at 39 years old he doesn't show anything.

“No hesitation. “He doesn’t let on when I look at him and think, ‘He’s getting worse.’ So I think I’ll follow Beterbiev on that,” Coldwell said.

The way Betebiev looked so relaxed against Callum Smith showed that he doesn't waste energy or feel stress when facing a power puncher. Bivol is a different fighter than Smith, but he will look to hurt Beterbiev in the same way.

If Beterbiev can stay relaxed under fire against Bivol, like he did against Smith, he has a good chance of winning.