Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2 Prediction, Odds & How to Watch

• Artur Beterbiev is a -125 favorite over Dmitry Bivol (+100) in their undisputed light heavyweight championship rematch on February 22nd
• Beterbiev won a controversial majority decision in their first fight to claim Bivol’s WBA and IBO titles
• Read on for a complete Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 preview with expert predictions and latest betting odds

Boxing’s light heavyweight division will crown an undisputed champion for the second time in four months as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol run it back on February 22nd. Their first clash saw Beterbiev come away with a razor-thin decision to claim Bivol’s WBA and IBO titles. But with many crying robbery, the Russian rivals will do it again to settle the score.

Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) retained his WBC, IBF, and WBO titles and kept his perfect KO percentage intact with the win. Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) suffered his first career loss but gave the heavy-handed champ all he could handle with his technical boxing.

The oddsmakers are calling this one a coin flip, with Beterbiev just slightly ahead as a -125 favorite. Here’s an updated look at the Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 betting odds, plus my prediction for this must-see rematch.

Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 Odds

Artur Beterbiev is currently a -125 favorite over Dmitry Bivol (+100) at ESPN Sportsbook. The 37-year-old has roughly a 55.6% implied win probability in this undisputed light heavyweight title tilt.

A $125 wager on Beterbiev would return $100 if he gets his hand raised, while a $100 bet on Bivol would net $100 if the former champ avenges his only career loss.

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Odds as of February 19, 2025, at ESPN. Get the best ESPN promo code when betting on Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2.

This blockbuster rematch headlines a stacked “The Last Crescendo” card from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The co-main event sees Daniel Dubois defend his IBF heavyweight strap against Joseph Parker, while Shakur Stevenson also puts his WBC lightweight title on the line vs Floyd Schofield.

Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 Tale of the Tape

Artur Beterbiev Betting Outlook & Analysis

Beterbiev proved he can win a grueling 12-round decision last time out, but don’t expect him to abandon his “seek and destroy” style in the rematch. The three-belt champ is all about relentless forward movement and thudding power punches.

Beterbiev will look to establish his jab early and cut off the ring, denying Bivol angles to box and move. He had success marching Bivol down with clean power shots last time, especially when he pinned the elusive technician on the ropes.

The key adjustment will be increasing his punch output and not loading up as much in search of the KO. Beterbiev relied too much on single power shots in the early rounds — if he puts his combinations together while still cutting off the ring, he can rack up points and do damage.

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Dmitry Bivol Betting Outlook & Analysis

Bivol has to feel confident knowing he had Beterbiev in trouble at times with his precise counter-punching and ring generalship. The former champ looked brilliant in the first half, making Beterbiev miss and firing back with sharp combos.

Stamina will be crucial as Bivol faded badly down the stretch, allowing Beterbiev to dictate the pace with his pressure. He was too content to retreat in straight lines and shell up as the heavy leather started landing with more regularity.

Bivol has to maintain his lateral movement for all 12 rounds this time. When he controlled distance with his jab and gave Beterbiev angles, the bigger man struggled to land clean. But the moment Bivol’s feet slowed, he was a sitting duck.

The 34-year-old also needs to stay defensively responsible and not get too easily drawn into exchanges. Counter-punching will always be his path to victory, but he needs to pick his spots wisely and ensure his gas tank doesn’t desert him late.

Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 Prediction & Pick

I’m taking Bivol to pull the minor upset and avenge his controversial loss with a razor-thin decision win.

The Russian technician proved his style can give Beterbiev fits, and with a few tweaks to his gameplan, I expect him to take the rematch. Bivol was too passive in the first fight, letting Beterbiev bully him around the ring and unload power shots without much return fire.

If Bivol maintains the same technique and movement but adds a bit more urgency, especially in the championship rounds, I think he beats Beterbiev at his own game. That means not just jabbing and circling away but sitting down on his punches and making Beterbiev respect his power.

Age might be a factor too. At 40, can Beterbiev bring that same relentless pressure for another hard 12 rounds? He’s always been a slow starter, and if Bivol banks those early rounds with his slick defense, they could be the difference on the scorecards.

Ultimately, I’m predicting Bivol wins a majority decision by the slimmest of margins, something like 115-113, 114-114, 115-113. He’s the better pure boxer, and with the judges likely to favor the cleaner work, he should be able to overcome Beterbiev’s power edge if he pours it on late.

• Pick: Dmitry Bivol by majority decision (+1100 at ESPN Bet )