Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 Rematch Opening Odds and Experts Result Predictions
One of the most highly anticipated boxing rematches of the year is set for Saturday, February 22, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, titled The Last Crescendo, features an action-packed fight card with seven title fights, headlined by the showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. Beterbiev, the undisputed light heavyweight champion, will put all his belts on the line against Bivol, the man he defeated in their first meeting. Below, we break down their previous fight, the latest betting odds, and expert predictions for this high-stakes rematch.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 1: A Historic Showdown
When Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol first met in October 2024, both fighters were undefeated and ranked inside the pound-for-pound top 10. Beterbiev entered the ring with a 20-0 record, coming off a TKO victory over Callum Smith in January. Meanwhile, Bivol boasted a 23-0 record, having successfully defended his WBA title with a knockout win over Malik Zinad in June.
Before their first fight, Bivol was the slight betting favorite at -126, while Beterbiev was the +104 underdog. However, after a grueling 12-round war, Beterbiev claimed victory via majority decision, with scorecards reading 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114. The win made him the first undisputed light heavyweight champion since Roy Jones Jr. held the honor from 1999 to 2002.
Despite the win, Beterbiev admitted he wasn’t fully satisfied with his performance, stating, “I wanted to box today with more quality. I don’t know why, but I didn’t like this fight. But I’ll be better one day.” On the other hand, Bivol remained gracious in defeat, congratulating Beterbiev while expressing his desire for a rematch: “This is my dream—to be undisputed. If I have this chance, yes.”
Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2: Opening Betting Odds
The rematch was officially announced in December 2024, setting the stage for another epic battle. When the opening betting odds were released, Beterbiev was listed as the -138 favorite, while Bivol opened as a +114 underdog. However, as the fight draws closer, the odds have tightened. The latest update shows Beterbiev at -134 and Bivol at -105, making it a near-even matchup.
The highly anticipated rematch will be available on DAZN PPV on February 22, as fans eagerly await to see whether Beterbiev can maintain his dominance or if Bivol will reclaim his lost title.
Expert Predictions: Who Has the Edge in the Rematch?
With the first fight being incredibly close, experts and former fighters have weighed in on Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2. Callum Smith, who has fought both men—losing to Bivol as an amateur and Beterbiev in a 2024 title fight—shared his thoughts on the rematch.
“They’re both very, very good fighters. I think that showed in the first fight—it was very hard to split them. Some thought Beterbiev won, others thought Bivol edged it. A draw would’ve been fair, but now that they know each other better, things might change.”
Smith also highlighted a crucial factor that could favor Bivol—age. At 39 years old, Beterbiev remains a formidable force, but some believe that time is catching up to him.
“Beterbiev can’t keep going forever. That last fight was the toughest of his career. It’ll be interesting to see how much that took out of him. Is he finally going to look his age? If I have to side with one this time, I’d go with Bivol.”
What to Expect on Fight Night
As February 22 approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be another instant classic in the light heavyweight division. With both fighters bringing different strengths to the table, this rematch is expected to be a technical chess match with moments of raw power.
- Beterbiev’s Power: Despite winning the last fight by decision, Beterbiev is known for his knockout ability, having finished every previous opponent before facing Bivol. His relentless pressure and heavy hands remain his biggest weapons.
- Bivol’s Technique & Speed: A master of defensive boxing, Bivol’s precision, movement, and endurance could be the keys to victory, especially if he controls the pace and avoids Beterbiev’s power shots.
- Age Factor: At 39 years old, Beterbiev may begin to slow down, while the 33-year-old Bivol might have the advantage in stamina and reaction time.
As fight night nears, expect continued updates on betting odds and expert analysis on how both fighters are preparing for their second battle.
Will Beterbiev solidify his legacy as the undisputed champion, or will Bivol rise to reclaim his place at the top? The world will find out on February 22.
