Beterbiev vs Bivol: ‘Generational fight’ in Saudi Arabia – Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol weigh in
Eddie Hearn predicted a “generational fight” as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol weighed in before their undisputed light-heavyweight bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBO, WBC and IBF champion Beterbiev came in at 12st 7lb, exactly on the limit, with WBA title holder Bivol weighing 12st 6lb.
“This is a generational fight between two ice-cold competitors,” said Matchroom’s Hearn, who promotes Bivol.
“Bivol already slayed the pound-for-pound king in [Saul ‘Canelo’] Alvarez and this is what he wants more than anything.
“I believe Dmitry Bivol will be the undisputed champion tomorrow night.”
The unbeaten pair meet in a historic bout on Saturday with all four light-heavyweight belts on the line for the first time.
Roy Jones Jr was the last undisputed champion in the division, earning that status in 1999 and reigning until 2002, but that was during the three-belt era.
A crowded stage saw the three promoters involved in the event – Hearn, Frank Warren and Ben Shalom – jostling for position and the priority middle spot between the two fighters facing off.
Heavyweights Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley provide the chief support when they meet in a rematch after they fought to a draw in March.
British heavyweight champion Wardley was a pound lighter than in their previous encounter, tipping the scales at 17st 4lb.
Clarke came in at 19st 5lb – up 5lb from seven months ago – which made him 29lb heavier than his opponent.