The highly anticipated rematch between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev is set to take place on February 22, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This fight is about more than just redemption—it’s a battle for undisputed supremacy in the light heavyweight division.

Bivol, the WBA champion, and Beterbiev, who holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO titles, are both determined to leave the ring with all four belts. However, Bivol knows he must take a different approach this time around. His usual technical, defensive style wasn’t enough in their first fight, so he is now planning to take a more aggressive approach in an effort to outwork and overpower Beterbiev.

The question remains: will Bivol’s new strategy be the key to victory, or will it lead to an even more devastating defeat?

Bivol’s Tactical Shift: More Pressure, More Punches

Dmitry Bivol is widely respected for his ring intelligence, counterpunching ability, and footwork. His ability to control distance and avoid unnecessary exchanges has made him one of the most difficult fighters to beat in the division.

However, in his first fight with Beterbiev, his patience and calculated approach may have cost him the win. Beterbiev thrives on pressure, and Bivol’s willingness to fight cautiously allowed the Russian-Canadian powerhouse to dictate the pace.

Now, Bivol has made it clear that he won’t repeat the same mistakes.

“I need to be more aggressive. Last time, I waited too much, and that cost me. This time, I will not hold back,” Bivol stated in a recent interview.

His new plan involves:

Increasing punch output to prevent Beterbiev from applying pressure.
Engaging earlier in exchanges to make an impact on the judges’ scorecards.
Taking more risks offensively, which could create openings for power shots.

This shift in strategy could be exactly what Bivol needs to succeed—or it could be a high-risk gamble that plays into Beterbiev’s strengths.

Beterbiev’s Relentless Power

Unlike Bivol, who relies on finesse and technique, Artur Beterbiev is known for his knockout power. With a 100% knockout rate before his first fight with Bivol, he has stopped nearly every opponent he has faced.

Beterbiev’s Strengths

Exceptional power in both hands, making him one of the hardest hitters in boxing.
Relentless pressure, forcing opponents to fight on the back foot.
Durability and endurance, allowing him to absorb punches while breaking down his rivals.

Beterbiev’s approach is simple yet effective: apply constant pressure, cut off the ring, and land power punches. Most opponents can only withstand this onslaught for so long before succumbing to a knockout.

For Bivol, the challenge is clear—he must avoid prolonged exchanges while still being aggressive enough to control the fight.

What’s at stake?

This fight isn’t just about personal rivalry—it’s about becoming the undisputed light heavyweight champion.

A victory for Bivol would establish him as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. He already holds a major win over Canelo Alvarez, but defeating Beterbiev would cement his legacy.

For Beterbiev, winning this fight would confirm his dominance in the division and solidify his reputation as one of the most feared champions in boxing history.

How Each Fighter Can Win

Bivol’s Path to Victory

Stick and Move: Bivol must use his superior footwork to avoid standing in one place for too long.
Increase Output: He needs to throw more punches to prevent Beterbiev from controlling the pace.
Stay Disciplined: While aggression is key, he must still avoid unnecessary risks.

Beterbiev’s Path to Victory

Apply Constant Pressure: He must continue cutting off the ring and forcing Bivol into uncomfortable exchanges.
Go to the Body: Targeting Bivol’s midsection early will slow his movement in the later rounds.
Capitalize on Mistakes: If Bivol engages too aggressively, Beterbiev must take advantage with powerful counterpunches.

What the Experts Say

Many analysts believe Bivol’s new approach is risky. While it could lead to a points victory, it also increases the chances of Beterbiev landing a knockout punch.

“This is a dangerous fight for Bivol. He may get knocked out this time. He better stick, move, and counter when possible—otherwise, Beterbiev by stoppage,” said a boxing analyst.

At the same time, some believe Bivol has the tools to succeed if he makes the right adjustments.

“Bivol is one of the smartest fighters in boxing. If he can maintain a high work rate without exposing himself to big shots, he can win,” another expert added.

Fight Details

Date: February 22, 2025
Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Start Time: 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT
Main Event: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

This will be one of the biggest boxing events of the year, with both fighters at the peak of their careers.

Final Prediction

If Bivol can execute his plan perfectly, he has a strong chance of outworking Beterbiev and securing a decision victory. However, if he gets caught up in too many direct exchanges, Beterbiev’s power could be too much to handle.

This is a fight that will define both men’s legacies. Who will emerge as the undisputed champion? The answer will be revealed on February 22, 2025.