Two contrasting philosophies, two different styles, and two undefeated champions, but only one will hold the undisputed crown when Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clash this Saturday. The showdown for supremacy at 175 is a mouth-watering contest, which will be watched across the globe. So, the boxing fans and pros have already picked their side in this close and tough-to-call affair.

Bivol, 33, and Beterbiev, 39, have decided to put their respective belts on the line on October 12. The fans will witness Bivol’s skills and technical prowess go up against Beterbiev’s brute strength and knockout power. Will Bivol’s defense and boxing IQ tame Beterbiev’s fearless punching? It seems many already have a clear answer.

Dmitry Bivol and his skills get overwhelming support

Terence Crawford is already out with his pick in a fight, which he believed would be a good fight. But ‘Bud’ sided with Bivol. He turned to his X handle and wrote, “Idk it’s gone be a good one. But if I had to pick it would be Bivol.” Fans heard a similar sentiment from Roy Jones Jr., who heaped praise on Bivol’s discipline, work ethic, and fitness levels.

In addition, ‘Superman’ pointed out the gaps in Beterbiev’s game, as he believed his chin wasn’t strong enough and could be off balance while unloading punches. He declared, “If you do anything out of the ordinary, such as throw too hard and get yourself off balance, or don’t take a punch as well as you throw a punch, you’re going to lose to Bivol.”

Interestingly, Jones Jr. is not the only one who picked Bivol for his skillset. Oscar De La Hoya gave the advantage to Bivol because of his better footwork. The American boxer noted that Beterbiev was a good boxer with power. But he speculated that the result of the fight hinged on who had a better chin and who would absorb the blows better. Similar to Jones Jr., De La Hoya could imagine Bivol catching Beterbiev off balance.

‘Golden Boy’ continued, “I mean, I think Beterbiev has a better chin than Bivol for some reason. I just feel that. I don’t know if it’s true. But if Dmitry Bivol can catch him, offset him, get him off balance with his footwork, it could be a long night for Beterbiev.”

However, Caleb Plant offered a different insight into the fight. He laid out how the two boxers had other weapons in their arsenal and other aspects that went unnoticed. For Beterbiev, it was his balance and ring IQ. Bivol, on the other hand, could also hit hard and he was physically strong. Referencing Beterbiev’s knockdowns, ‘Sweethands’ added, “Beterbiev has been dropped by lesser guys. So you can’t tell me there’s no way Bivol can’t drop him.”

Lastly, Tim Tszyu‘s comments represented most of the boxing community—split between heart and mind. The Australian boxer expressed how he liked Beterbiev’s style—bring the heat and walk forward—but he also acknowledged Bivol’s skillset. He told Fight Hub TV, “I like better Beterbiev’s style, of just that bring the heat, walk forward. Just a monster. Just deadly. Deadly. But Bivol, I think, he’s got more tools in his arsenal. So I’m leaning towards Bivol, but I want Beterbiev to win.”

Many are also looking at the potential results and implications of the fight and how it could affect the boxing landscape. There are rumors of Canelo Alvarez stepping up for revenge and an undisputed crown, whereas David Benavidez had firm faith in his mandatory title. But the latter also knew who he was going to face.

Undisputed crown and factor of Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez

‘Mexican Monster’ is the current WBC light heavyweight interim champion and boasts of a style similar to Beterbiev. That’s where the similarities end, as he has picked Bivol to leave the arena with all the marbles due to Beterbiev’s age. He admitted, “I’m kind of leaning with Bivol. He is a great boxer and he has punching power, and then Beterbiev, I think he’s a little bit older, you know. I think his body’s breaking down a little bit.”

Benavidez, 27, also theorized that he could face Bivol earlier next year. That might not be the case if Alvarez decides to have his revenge match with the added allure of fighting for an undisputed title at 175. That’s how Eddie Hearn sees it unfolding. The British promoter picked Bivol against Beterbiev and reasoned his boxing IQ as the separating factor. He announced, “You might have to keep him [Beterbiev] off for four rounds, five rounds, six rounds. But he’s coming. Bivol is the kind of guy who is intelligent enough to do that for 12 rounds.”

The Matchroom Boxing lynchpin then backed Eddy Reynoso to “roll the dice,” if Bivol became the champion. It could allow Alvarez to have a shot at a solidified legacy and another undisputed crown. But it remains to be seen whether this overwhelming support for Bivol against Beterbiev is unfounded or not.

What do you make of these predictions by pros about Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol? Who do you have winning this Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.