Beterbiev vs Bivol + Undercard: Prediction, Preview & Betting Odds

While it might not have mainstream crossover appeal, this is the fight every boxing fan has been waiting for: Artur Beterbiev, the relentless knockout artist, taking on Dmitry Bivol, the supreme master boxer, for the undisputed light heavyweight title. The tale of the tape suggests a bull vs. matador matchup, where the bull is also an elite boxer. However, it could also be a tentative chess match, with both men cautious and tactical.

If Beterbiev can close Bivol down and land with the heavy-handedness that has led to 20 KOs in 20 fights, it may swing in his favor. But we believe Bivol's boxing IQ, footwork, and energy will allow him to nullify Beterbiev’s aggression. Ultimately, Bivol has the skills to control the pace, frustrate Beterbiev, and take a points decision.

Prediction: Bivol to win on points, but expect an edge of your seat watch if you’re a Bivol fan.

Chris Eubank Jr. faces the tough Kamil Szeremeta in a middleweight clash. Eubank Jr. hasn't shown much knockout power recently (apart from a stoppage over an injured Liam Smith), and we expect him to win comfortably on points.

Szeremeta, known for his toughness (only stopped by Golovkin and Jaime Munguia), will likely survive the distance. (The fight to go the distance at 7/4 @bet365 is a decent, underpriced bet). However, a knockout or TKO win for Eubank Jr. would be a much-needed statement if he's looking to secure marquee fights to end his career on a high.

Prediction: A wide points win for Eubank Jr., but an explosive finish would boost his future prospects.

This could be the fight of the night (It will be a shock if the first fight isn't fight of the year). Fabio Wardley defends his British heavyweight title in a rematch against Frazer Clarke.

Their first fight was a war, and we don't expect the rematch to be any different. We're expecting this to go into the later rounds, but this time, we're predicting a Wardley win by stoppage.

Wardley has youth and adaptability on his side, which may have helped him improve since the first fight in March. Clarke, a decorated amateur, may struggle to adjust at this stage of his career (though it's crazy to say that when he's only 8 fights into his pro career).

Wardley showed his power by putting Clarke down in their first bout, and this time we believe Clarke will stay down or be stopped by the referee. Expect fireworks.

Prediction: Wardley by stoppage in the later rounds.

Jai Opetaia is one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, and we predict he will stop another tough fighter in Jack Massey in this IBF cruiserweight title defense. Massey has proven his grit, having gone up to heavyweight to face Joe Parker and scoring a fantastic underdog win against Isaac Chamberlain for the European title. But Opetaia is a ferocious puncher and a slick mover, which will likely be too much for Massey to handle. Massey’s solid chin could make it an interesting fight, as Opetaia isn't afraid to fight fire with fire (as we saw in the two Breidis fights), but Opetaia’s speed, power, and skill should lead to a stoppage win.

Prediction: Opetaia by stoppage.

The polarising Ben Whittaker takes on Liam Cameron in what could be his toughest test to date. We think Whittaker will be out to make a statement on this huge Saudi show. Cameron will come to fight, and an upset would be an incredible new chapter in his career, but ultimately, Whittaker’s skills and class should be too much for him.

Prediction: A wide points win for Whittaker.

Skye Nicolson defends her WBC featherweight title against the aggressive Raven Chapman in a historic night for women’s boxing—the first female title fight in Saudi Arabia.

Nicolson’s amateur pedigree and slick boxing skills should allow her to pick Chapman off at range. With 1 stoppages in 11 wins, Nicolson doesn’t have the power to put Chapman away, especially given the shorter two-minute rounds in women's boxing.

Prediction: A wide points decision for Nicolson.