In a superfight that’s been years in the making, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol will finally face off for the undisputed light heavyweight championship on October 12. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will air on ESPN+ in the U.S.
WATCH: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, exclusively on ESPN+
Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) is the IBF, WBC and WBO champion. The unified titleholder is the power puncher in this fight, capable of causing fight-ending damage with one shot or a series of combinations. The game plan will be to stay on top of his opponent and break him down over time.
“I want a good fight,” said Beterbiev, a master of understatement, at the final press conference. “Be ready, Dmitry. I will be ready.”
Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) is the long-reigning WBA king. At 33 years old, he’s six years younger than his opponent and still in his fighting prime.
While he doesn’t carry the same firepower as Beterbiev, Bivol is one of the finest pure boxers in the world today and he’ll be looking to impose exceptional ring IQ on his rival.
“Artur is a great champion,” acknowledged Bivol. “He has what I want. He has the belts. And it’s not only about belts.
“When I look at his skills, I want to check my skills also against this amazing fighter.”
The Sporting News will provide undercard results and a full report on the main event.
Where to watch Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
In the U.S., only the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol main event will air on ESPN+. The rest of the card will air on DAZN in a rare PPV-only main event.
WATCH: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol, exclusively on ESPN+
You can subscribe to ESPN+ for $10.99 on a monthly subscription and $109.99 on an annual subscription.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol start time
- Date: Saturday, October 12
- Main event start time (approx.): 6 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. PT
The main card starts at 2 p.m. ET. Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol should make their way to the ring around 6 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol fight card
- Artur Beterbiev (c) vs. Dmitry Bivol (c) for the undisputed light heavyweight title
- Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta; Middleweights
- Fabio Wardley (c) vs. Frazer Clarke 2 for the British heavyweight title
- Jai Opetaia (c) vs. Jack Massey for the IBF and The Ring cruiserweight titles
- Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron; Light Heavyweights
- Skye Nicolson (c) vs. Raven Chapman for the WBC featherweight title
- Mohammed Alakel vs. Jesus Gonzalez