Every time there’s a giant struggle, Teddy Atlas at all times has one thing to say about it. And Atlas, like the remainder of us, is wanting ahead to Saturday night time’s four-belt light-heavyweight unification showdown between unbeaten champions Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Atlas, although, has little doubt who wins. Talking on his personal The Battle podcast, the previous coach of Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer and others, stated Father Time will doubtless be the winner in Riyadh on Saturday.
“He’s slowing down. He’s slicing up simpler. He’s 38 years previous with 300 newbie fights. Loads of robust fights within the execs. He’s ageing, no person beats Father Time,” Atlas stated of Beterbiev, who is definitely 39 years previous. “I’ll by no means rule out Beterbiev, he’s obtained energy, he’s obtained character and delight, however, yeah, I obtained Bivol a stable favorite.”
Fascinating stuff from Teddy. Is Bivol, the youthful and, most really feel, a lot more energizing fighter of the 2, getting this struggle at simply the best time? Is Beterbiev “slowing down?” For sure, Beterbiev, 20-0(20) has not been energetic, with him having had a mere two fights since June of 2022. Beterbiev final noticed motion again in January, when he stopped Callum Smith, and for certain seemed very spectacular on the night time, and he could also be carrying a great deal of rust with him into the ring on Saturday.
Bivol, 23-0(12) and the youthful man by six years at age 33, has been considerably extra energetic, with him having boxed twice during the last ten months. Bivol has the faster fingers, the sooner reflexes right here, however Beterbiev has that crushing energy, that massive equaliser. It truly is a captivating struggle, and whereas Atlas is at all times price listening to when he makes a struggle prediction, not everybody agrees with him right here.
Removed from it, loads of individuals, followers in addition to specialists, decide Beterbiev to be too robust and too highly effective for Bivol. However age does meet up with all nice fighters ultimately, and possibly it is going to be Beterbiev’s time on Saturday. Atlas makes an awesome level when he refers to these 300 newbie fights Beterbiev had, and the way the sheer put on and tear is catching up with him. How a lot has Beterbiev obtained left on the absolute elite stage?
Who’re YOU choosing on Saturday?
