By Geoffrey Ciani: Is 38 year old Artur Beterbiev good enough to beat prime Dmirty Bivol?
Artur Beterbiev is a tremendous talent with exceptional power, and he proved that again this past weekend when he successfully defended his unified light heavyweight crown against Anthony Yarde. It was a very entertaining contest where both boxers exhibited heart and courage, but in the end the bludgeoning power of Beterbiev won the day via 8th round stoppage.
With that victory, Beterbiev’s record improved to a perfect 19 victories in 19 contests, with all 19 wins coming by way of knockout. Since winning the vacant IBF belt a bit over 5 years ago, Beterbiev has made 7 title defenses, including victories in unification bouts against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in 2019, and Joe Smith Jr in June of last year. Beterbiev is the reigning unified IBF/WBC/WBO world light heavyweight champion.
Right now the biggest and most logical fight that can take place at 175, and indeed one of the very biggest potential matchups in all of professional boxing, is a light heavyweight showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmirty Bivol, two undefeated light heavyweight champions who are in possession of all 4 major titles in the division. A winner of a battle between Beterbiev and Bivol would produce the first undisputed world light heavyweight champion in the modern 4 belt era.
But at 38 years old, is Beterbiev still good enough to beat the younger and more skilled boxer, in prime Dmirty Bivol?
This edition of Rummy’s Corner will attempt to answer that question will providing a quick review of Beterbiev’s recent victory against Anthony Yarde, and also a quick look at what makes Beterbiev so successful. The video will also explore the prospects of a potential mega showdown between Beterbiev and Bivol for undisputed light heavyweight supremacy in the light heavyweight division. Please watch and enjoy the video for one man’s opinion. This is Rummy’s Corner (produced and narrated by Geoffrey Ciani).