Exclusive: Clinton Woods Backs Bivol’s ‘Skills’ to Edge Beterbiev’s ‘Power’ in Historic Saudi Blockbuster
Clinton Woods backs Dmitry Bivol's skills to edge Artur Beterbiev's power in their historic Saudi showdown, predicting a closely fought contest
Image Credits: John Gichigi/Getty Images
One of boxing’s oldest adages will come true when Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol clash in arguably the sport’s most eagerly anticipated contest since the turn of the century, a former light heavyweight world champion has exclusively told SportsBoom.
All the Belts on the Line
All four of the division’s major belts will be on the line in Saudi Arabia this weekend as the two unbeaten fighters prepare to meet at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena.
Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, WBO and IBF belts, boasts a phenomenal knockout record with all of his 20 wins coming inside the distance. Bivol, the WBA titleist, has stopped nearly half of his 24 opponents since turning professional although arguably the Kyrgyz’s most famous victory came over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez two years ago.
Despite being described as a genuine ‘50/50’ contest, Clinton Woods thinks Bivol could prove too elusive for Beterbiev, even though he acknowledges the latter’s “devastating” power.
Beterbiev’s Knockout Streak vs. Bivol’s Ring Craft
“Bivol is the classic European boxer,” said Woods, who wore Beterbiev’s IBF crown between 2005 and 2008,” Woods told SportsBoom.com.
“He keeps his hands held high, stays behind a really good guard, and has got excellent footwork.”
“Artur has got a devastating punch, as his time in the ring shows. To stop everyone, you’ve faced is pretty remarkable and tells you all you need to know about how hard he hits. To be frank, it’s quite frightening.”
I think it’s going to be close, really close, and I can understand why people are struggling to pick a result.
Clinton Woods
Woods Leans Towards Bivol
“For me, though, the more I think about it, I’m edging towards Bivol. Why? I’m just going with that old saying: ‘A good boxer will always beat a good puncher.’
“There’s not a lot in it but, if you told me I had a £1000 charity bet and had to go with one, then I’d edge towards Bivol.”
“I’m going him on points. I do reckon this one might go the full 12 rounds.”
From Sheffield, Woods was the Commonwealth super-middleweight champion before winning British and European belts in the 175 lb division.
He claimed the IBF strap by becoming the first person to defeat Rico Hoyevia a technical knockout - eventually losing it to Antonio Tarver in Tampa, Florida.
Beterbiev’s Age Could Be a Factor
With Beterbiev, who is six years older than Bivol, set to turn 40 in January, Woods said: “I really like Artur. I’ve got a huge amount of respect for him and obviously he’s got my old belt now.”
“Everyone who spars with him will tell you that every single shot he throws hurts - that it’s just like ‘thud, thud, thud’.
“I just worry that age is going to catch up with him some time. It’s inevitable it’s going to happen at some point but he’s going to be in great shape.”
“I’m not saying that it’s going to happen now. But it can creep up on you in boxing - suddenly you get in there, even after a really good performance - and it’s just not there anymore.”
“The thing I love about this fight is that it’s two guys at the very top of their game,” Woods added.
“And they’re two old school boxers too. By that I mean they work hard, day in and day out. They have dedicated themselves, completely and utterly, to this sport.”
“What makes it so intriguing is that the only light-heavyweight on the planet right now who can beat Beterbiev is Bivol. And the only one who can beat Bivol is Beterbiev.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.