Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. has weighed in on the anticipated undisputed light heavyweight championship bout between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, predicting that Bivol’s superior mobility and boxing skills could lead him to victory. The match, expected to occur in Saudi Arabia in the summer, promises to be a high-stakes encounter for the four-belt undisputed championship.
Jones Jr. acknowledges that Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), the IBF, WBC, and WBO champion, has the power to win if WBA champion Bivol (22-0, 11 KOs) opts for a toe-to-toe approach. However, he believes that if Bivol employs his signature in-and-out style and focuses on outboxing Beterbiev, he stands a better chance of winning. Jones Jr. points out that Beterbiev’s power is most effective when he can plant his feet, something Bivol’s movement could negate. “If Bivol can avoid him for two or three rounds, then Bivol will beat him,” Jones Jr. said.
The early rounds of the fight are deemed crucial by Jones Jr., who draws a parallel between this bout and the legendary Ali-Foreman fight. He likens Beterbiev’s power to Foreman's and Bivol’s tactical prowess to Ali’s, emphasizing the importance of Bivol's ability to evade Beterbiev’s power punches in the initial stages.
Jones Jr. also highlights a potential vulnerability in Bivol’s strategy, noting that Bivol is not as evasive as some might think. He mentions Bivol’s previous bout with Craig Richards, where Bivol appeared less effective under pressure. This factor could play a critical role in the fight, especially if Bivol chooses to engage Beterbiev directly.
The discussion also touches upon Beterbiev’s ability to maintain his power while being mobile, a question that could significantly impact the fight’s outcome. If Bivol survives the early onslaught and extends the fight, Jones Jr. believes his chances of victory increase significantly. However, a toe-to-toe battle could tilt the odds in favor of Beterbiev.
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