Benavidez Sr: Bivol takes revenge with Beterbiev

Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. is picking Dmitry Bivol to defeat undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in their rematch in 31 days on February 22 in Riyadh.

José Sr. says he felt former WBA 175-pound champion Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) won the first fight against Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) by “one point” on October 12 from last year. See Bivol do it again in their rematch next month.

Benavidez Sr. claims that Bivol was “faster” and his “movement” was key in his mind to explain why he deserved the victory over Beterbiev. He didn’t mention how timid and unwilling to face Bivol from the sixth round. He left that part out.

Bivol showed no heart as he ran around the ring, running away from the wolf Beterbiev, throughout the entire second half of the contest. Many fans seemed to have decided who won based on the first six rounds, and then mentally fell asleep in the second half when Beterbiev took over the fight.

Confirmation bias in boxing

is called confirmation biasand occurs when people form their opinions early, making quick judgments about events, such as the Bivol-Beterbiev 1 fight. People who felt that Bivol won collectively made a decision after six rounds and then looked for evidence to support their long-held beliefs in the second half. They shut out Beterbiev’s dominance as he controlled the fight with his constant pressure.

“I think it will be another close fight. We have seen both have done the best they could. Both styles work for each other, and I think in the first fight, Bivol won. For this fight, Bivol can win again,” José Benavidez Sr. told Sean Zittel about his opinion on the rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol that will take place on February 22.

“He’s a little faster, he has more movement,” José Sr. said of Bivol. “Beterbiev hits hard and is probably waiting for that big hit. Bivol hopefully doesn’t stand in front of him and takes a big shot. So, I think it will be the same fight.

“Bivol, I think he won by one point. It was a very close fight. For me it could have been a draw, but they gave it to Beterbiev. “I’m not a judge, but I felt like he (Bivol) did enough to win that fight,” Benavidez Sr. said.

Benavidez’s bet

If Bivol emerges victorious in the rematch with Beterbiev, it works for José Benavidez Sr. because his son, ‘The Mexican Monster’, David Benavidez, fits better with Bivol. They have faced each other in the past and Benavidez reportedly outplayed him with his pressure and volume.

Benavidez would not fare as well against Beterbiev because he hits much harder with his short punches and is an excellent counterpuncher. The volume that Benavidez depends on to win his fights will leave him open to being hit and hurt by Artur.

Furthermore, Beterbiev goes well to the body and has taken advantage of Benavidez’s great weakness in that area. Benavidez doesn’t handle body shots well and Beterbiev would target that area frequently, hitting him between his flurries to score a knockout.

If Beterbiev wins against Bivol on February 22, Benavidez will have to seriously think about whether he wants to accept this fight or move up to cruiserweight to go after Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.

Of course, that is if ‘The Mexican Monster’ Benavidez wins his fight against ‘regular’ WBA light heavyweight champion David Morrell on February 1. There is an excellent chance that Morrell will win that fight with his superior power, technical skills and youth.

Morrell would face the winner of the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol 2, leaving Benavidez to decide whether to move up to cruiserweight or be one of the many contenders at 175.

THE REMATCH IS AROUND THE CORNER 🌟#BetterbievBivol2 | FEBRUARY 22 | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/BowSlWt3JA

– Senior Boxing (@trboxing) January 22, 2025