Buffalo vs. Beterbiev II: Fear or struggle?

Dmitry Bivol is working on his strength to improve and increase his power for his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh.

Two months ago, Beterbiev defeated Bivol by majority decision in 12 rounds, but he is getting a second chance due to the outcry from fans and Dmitry’s promoters. There was no real controversy. In short, Bivol lost his temper and did not want to fight Beterbiev.

Beterbiev dominated and deservedly won 8-4. I watched the fight and had it 9-3 for Beterbiev.

The results

115-113: Beterbiev
114-114 (view, other).
116-112: Beterbiev

Second round

Dmitry looked like scared rabbit in the previous fight and did not want to fight against wolf-like Beterbiev when pressed in the sixth round. It’s hard to imagine the rematch being any different than the first fight as Bivol lacks the chin, strength and, more importantly, guts to take on Beterbiev.

Dmitry talks about wanting to be more aggressive for the second contest, but when he steps into the ring with Beterbiev and the artillery starts raining down on his position, Bivol’s fear will resurface. He will then run around the ring like last time, making the fans bored to watch. He has no heart to fight.

Former WBA 175lb champion Bivol (23-1, 14 KOs) was lacking in his power game in his 12-round majority decision loss to Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) two months ago on October 12th. He must build in this area if he is to have any chance of winning the second leg.

Turki Al-Shiekh gave Bivolo a chance to avenge the loss, but if he is defeated this time, his chances will run out. His promoters and loyal fans sizzled about the loss last October, believing he had done enough to win, but he hadn’t.

Ideally, the other opponent should be allowed to challenge Beterbiev and not return him in a needless rematch. The boxing world would rather see David Benavidez, Joshua Buatsi or David Morrell face Beterbiev than the defensive Buffalo get another chance.

Buffalo adaptations

The Beterbiev-Bivol fight was boring because of the defensive style Bivol brought to the fight, which included using Shakur’s three-foot step back, movement and clinch. Beterbiev spent the entire fight attacking and chasing the rabbit-like Buffalo around the ring.

Bivol, 34, escaped when Beterbiev began to press him in the second part of the contest. He showed he wanted no part of messing with the undefeated unified champion.

What must Bivol do to win the rematch

– Stay in your pocket: Don’t run away
– Be brave
– Jab more
– Assault on the body
– Limit movement

Bivol is not young at 34 years old and cannot move for 12 rounds in a row to avoid Beterbiev’s attacks. We saw it the last time they had a fight, and it cost him when he ran out of gas because of his decision to run under pressure from Arturo.

Bivol equalized for the rematch 📈#BetterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | February 22, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh

📸 @bivol_d pic.twitter.com/yjXFzgaHB7

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 31, 2024