Artur Beterbiev, 40 years old: next rematch with Bivol

Artur Beterbiev turned 40 today and headed into the title defense of his undisputed light heavyweight championship against Dmitry Bivol on February 22 in Riyadh.

bivol’s getting a second chance due to complaints from fans and his promoter about his loss. It seemed like a fair decision. Beterbiev wanted it more, and Bivol was only interested in trying not to get knocked out. When you race like Bivol, you don’t win. It’s simple.

The eternal champion

Despite coming off knee surgery for a torn meniscus in May 2024, Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) looked the younger, fresher fighter and defeated previously undefeated WBA champion Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) on October 12.

The scores were 115-113, 116-112 and 114-114. Fighting with only one good leg, Beterbiev chased Bivol around the ring looking like a dog chasing a scared cat. Bivol, with two healthy legs, had nothing to do.

Physically, Beterbiev appears younger than Bivol, who appears emaciated since their previous fight. Bags can be seen under both eyes of Bivol, 34, and he has the look of an old hunting dog.

The punishment Bivol received in the fight seemed to age him as he looked older. Although Bivol was blocking Beterbiev’s shots with his gloves, the blows were so strong that they still caused damage.

Last time, Bivol kept moving throughout the second half of the fight from the sixth round when Beterbiev began to pressure him. Once that started, Bivol was no longer in the fight. He was just trying to survive.

Beterbiev had held off for the first five rounds, letting Bivol jab and throw a combination to get the better of the action. The fight changed hands when Beterbiev went into attack mode starting in the sixth. Bivol didn’t have the firepower, the chin, or the bravery to stand up and fight. It was disappointing because he didn’t even try to make it exciting. It was pure run and hold on Bivol’s part.

Breaking bivol

If Beterbiev decides to attack immediately in the rematch, it will be a loss because Bivol does not have the punching power or the chin to fight him. Additionally, he is less willing to trade power punches than other fighters in the light heavyweight division. Bivol hates being hit and is terrified that Beterbiev will catch him.

It will be interesting to see if Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn starts complaining again if he loses by decision. Hopefully he takes the right path and shows some class.

“It’s going to be difficult to divide them. I just don’t know if the last fight was tough for two of them, and I don’t know if Beterbiev’s age,” Callum Smith told iFL TVquestioning whether Artur Beterbiev’s age has affected him ahead of his rematch with Dmitry Bivol on February 22.

“We keep saying that he is going to start to look his age, but I don’t know if it cost him a little in that fight. The more time goes on, you’ll have to lean towards Bivol to stay a little cooler. I think Bivol, but I think it will be very tight again. I’ll do my job (against Joshua Buatsi) and then I’ll watch the main event. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to win,” Smith said.

.@ABeterbiev today turns 40 years old 🎂🎈#BetterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | February 22, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh pic.twitter.com/5e6J5lR9cG

– DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 21, 2025