THE biggest fight in world boxing is finally happening this weekend, naturally, out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

For the first time in the four-belt era, the light-heavyweight division will crown an undisputed world champion when Artur Beterbiev meet Dmitry Bivol for all the marbles at 175lb.

Originally scheduled for June, but pushed back due to an injury suffered by Beterbiev, the 12-round contest is the most sought-after match-up in boxing today.

Two undefeated champions, both with serious claims on #1 status and both mainstays on everybody’s pound-for-pound list.

Russia vs Russia via Montreal and California in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This fight is simply not to be missed.

PERFECTION

There is no other way to describe Beterbiev’s pro boxing career than punch perfect; 20 fights, 20 wins, 20 knockouts. On paper at least, it’s the most impressive resume in boxing today.

After losing out to eventual gold medallist and current world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk at the London 2012 Olympics, Beterbiev moved to Canada and turned pro a year later.

After 11 quick wins he captured his first world title in 2017, added a second in 2019 and the third in 2022. He’s had knockouts in the first round all the way through to the 12th.

A front foot pressure fighter with brilliant defence, hugely under-appreciated footwork and, of course, sensational power in either fist. It’s little wonder he’s most fighters’ favourite fighter.

But he turns 40 in January and Father Time is truly undefeated. Beterbiev is also, increasingly, injury prone.

A shoulder injury in 2015, a rib problem in 2020, leg surgery in 2022 – which postponed his fight with Anthony Yarde, and the ruptured meniscus in his knee that scuppered June’s original date with Bivol.

Beterbiev is indeed great. But even greatness has a shelf life.

UNCROWNED KING

Bivol returns to Riyadh also unbeaten. His perfect 23-fight card features a 50% stoppage rate and, unlike Artur, also includes the scalp of a boxing icon.

In 2022, making the ninth of his 12 successful world title defences, Bivol upset the odds to outbox Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas and really put himself on the boxing map.

The manner of that performance resonated with fans, made him an overnight boxing superstar and is the reason why he starts as favourite on Saturday night. Bluntly, he’s beaten the higher calibre opponent.

But of those 12 title defences only two – the first and the last – were stoppage wins. Bivol was forced to go the distance with everyone else at championship level.

The 33-year-old is also going through a very acrimonious marriage breakup, a lot of which is being played out publicly on social media.

How will that impact on the champion and, as his estranged wife eludes, since defeating Canelo has Bivol fallen for the celebrity lifestyle a little too much?

IV CROWN SHOWDOWN

The answer to the following question will simply and emphatically define the outcome of this fight: Can Bivol keep Beterbiev off him for 12 rounds?

His natural style is to box off the back-foot, to counterpunch his way to victory. To fire his jab from behind a tight guard and pivot and slide his way off the ropes to score in twos and threes.

But has he got the power to earn Beterbiev’s respect? To fend off the marauding master who, I’d argue has as a good footwork, defence and jab as Bivol.

Due to his perfect knockout record it’s easy to conclude Beterbiev is just a puncher. But he’s so much more.

He’s actually a boxer first and foremost, which is what services his power to be so prolific.

Bivol should have his moments and may even be up on the cards heading into the second half of the fight.

But there is only one predator in this ring and Beterbiev is hungry for the kill that will define his boxing legacy.

TIP: Beterbiev by Knockout 7-9 – 6/1

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