Former world champion in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) and super middleweight (up to 76.2 kg), American boxing analyst for ESPN Andre Ward live show
Max on Boxing Max Kellerman expressed his opinion about a possible fight for the title of absolute world champion in the light heavyweight division between the unified IBF / WBC / WBO champion from Canada Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) and the Russian WBA “super champion” Dmitry Bivol (20- 0.11 KOs).
Recall that earlier on this topic was expressed by Ward’s television colleague, ex-champion in two categories, American Timothy Bradley.
– Dmitry Bivol, whom we commented on on HBO when he was a prospect, recently beat Canelo Alvarez. I always thought Bivol had the best chance of beating Canelo at 76.2kg and above. Very good technical boxer. Artur Beterbiev is a Russian tank, also invincible. He recently knocked out Joe Smith, in all his fights he won by knockout. As soon as you ended your sports career, it was obvious to me that these two would win the light heavyweight division. If this fight could be arranged, who would be the undisputed champion in the light heavyweight division?
— Look, it can’t just be organized, it must be organized. I know Anthony Yarde wants his chance, Ramirez wants his chance, I’m not throwing these guys away, but let Beterbiev and Bivol get through this and we need them to fight together. If they fight, I’m a little leaning towards the guy who can do more. I’m not saying that Beterbiev is a fighter and a guy who can only hit, but Bivol can do more. Let’s call things as they are. I will always lean towards this fighter. My only question to Bivol before Canelo was his character. If he has to box dirty, can he? If he needs to bite his mouthguard to take a hit and throw back, can he? He answered my questions. Of course, Beterbiev can catch Bivol and knock him out, but Bivol can get out of the line of fire, and you saw it.
I’ve made a career out of taking the guys out of their strengths, and I think Bivol, with his amateur baggage and what he showed as a pro fighter and what he showed against Canelo, he can rebuild. implement the plan and make a fighter like Beterbiev not look like himself.
Bivol has fast legs. He is a more mobile fighter who can move in circles. If the other attributes are similar, then it has an advantage in this. If we had a Super Bowl like the Super Bowl, with the best fights that can be done in boxing in one card, then Beterbiev-Bivol would definitely be one of them.
- Bivol’s priorities have been set, Beterbiev’s IBF contender will be determined
