Boxing expert and commentator on the sports channel ESPN, former world champion in two categories Timothy Bradley took part in the show
The 3 Knockdown Rule streaming platforms Triller.
During the show, the analyst called the WBA super champion in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Dmitry Bivol (20-0, 11 KOs) the best fighter of the division, and also expressed his opinion about a possible fight for the title of absolute champion between Bivol and the owner other three titles by Canadian Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs).
— Tim, you said six months ago, when you joined us, that Dmitry Bivol is the best light heavyweight in the world. Dmitry Bivol entered the ring and completely outboxed Canelo Alvarez. But after a few weeks in New York, Beterbiev completely destroyed Joe Smith. So I’m going to ask you again, based on what you’ve seen, who is the best light heavyweight in the world?
— Bivol.
“Still Bivol. Wow.
— [второй ведущий] I disagree. Bivol is a great fighter, but the only reason I’m leaning towards Beterbiev is… I won’t even talk about the 100% knockout rate. I think my boyfriend is very underrated when it comes to boxing skills. He’s got a great amateur base, great fundamentals, and he’s got damn heavy hands, so much so that it overshadows everything else. What he did to Joe Smith, who never fell, who was famous for his stamina and who was a big light heavyweight and could also hit… The way Beterbiev set traps and caught him… You saw how his soul left him. It was so impressive for me. I would love it if he fought Bivol. Yes, Bivol can be a winner. Absolutely, but that’s how a pitcher should play a perfect game. Because I think that their fight will be similar to the fight between Beterbiev and Gvozdyk. It will only be a matter of time before Beterbiev can close the distance and be able to touch him. No matter where it hits, it will slow it down. Joe Smith touched Bivol, but when it finally touches Beterbiev, everything will change. Beterbiev is the next level, he cuts the ring well. Don’t you agree, Tim?
“I honestly respect your opinion, and I see how this can happen, but I will tell you this. When a fighter understands what distance is and how to control it, and sort of puts his opponent on the edge of the line, and kind of manipulates him – shows him something, and then walks away, and then suddenly rushes at him … I think he can keep Beterbiev out of balance. I think Bivol has good enough legs to keep him off balance, control his distance and also shoot. Look, there is such a problem – very often these guys, they move, move, move. They keep pressure fighters from controlling the situation with constant movement. Bivol is different. He moves no more than necessary, and then returns with an attack. So Beterbiev has to worry not only about getting his opponent closer, but also about strong striking power in response. Therefore, it will not be easy for him to get close to Bivol, get into his kitchen and fight at a medium distance where he likes. No, he will need to box long distance. And I see Bivol’s favorite in every aspect because of what I just said.
Jeb. He will constantly disturb him with a jab, keep him out of balance. Combinations from the right distance. Bivol will kill him before Beterbiev enters the middle distance, and then he will move. And Bivol has a great defense, which he showed with Canelo Alvarez, who was a great counter puncher with a strong attack, relentless attack and a full arsenal. And Bivol was able to isolate him, get away from his best shots.
I don’t think Bivol will have any problems with Beterbiev at all. I will say that Bivol will win this fight. I already thought about this fight several times. I’m not saying that Beterbiev can’t win this fight, but my favorite is Bivol – 60 to 40.
- Bivol’s priorities have been set, Beterbiev’s IBF contender will be determined
