Turki Alalshikh is giving boxing fans exactly what they want with Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2. Their first encounter wasn’t too long ago. However, the bout was close enough and had enough debate to warrant a somewhat instant second part. Both light heavyweights voiced their willingness for the rematch after their October meeting. These two will look to give another performance, ideally one that will soon warrant a trilogy fight.
Over/Under for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2
These two boxers needed the judges to decide the first bout. And the scorecards will be used again. An early stoppage isn’t likely from either side. If it were to happen, Beterbiev would be the most likely candidate to warrant consideration. However, Bivol is fundamentally sound defensively. Furthermore, he showed an ability to take 12 rounds of punishment from his opponent.
On the other hand, going forward, he isn’t likely to land the necessary power of his own to end this one early. Granted, something spectacular could happen. A well-placed and well-timed punch can happen at any moment at any level. But there are too many signs for the first one to legitimately consider taking the under on 10.5 rounds.
In order to get a little more value, the fight going the distance at -235 is something of a safe proposition. If there is a fighter who is favored by someone taking action here, it could make sense to sprinkle something on a more specific individual Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 prop. For example, differentiating by split or unanimous decision for someone specific could breed larger winnings. But doing so inherently will come at more risk.
Pick: To Go The Distance (-235)
Moneyline for Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2
Conventional wisdom says that if the fight is close, that human nature would lean toward pushing for the third fight. Meaning, if both fighters are putting on a good showing, it’s more likely than not that the scorecards would reflect a positive result for Bivol to give a third bout more immediacy.
And fair enough. But that aspect is secondary. Adjustments will, of course, be made from both sides. However, there’s plenty from the first encounter to see what will happen after another set of a dozen rounds. Bivol is disciplined and technical. There were missed chances earlier, and he’s likely to look to capitalize on his effective counters more.
By doing this, he’ll look more in control to the judges and should be able to outpoint Beterbiev. As long as he gives fewer big moments to his opponent and gains only a couple of more landed combos compared to the last, he’ll earn the belt as the challenger.
It was close enough as is, and his late-round setups should be able to swing lost rounds that he forfeited in the eyes of the adjudicators. Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 is set to be another blockbuster event, but the belt will exchange hands after this one.