Trainer Jose Benavidez Sr. is picking Dmitry Bival to defeat undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in their 31-day February 22nd in Riyadh.

Jose Sr. Said he felt former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) won his first fight against Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) by “one point” on October 12th last year. He saw Bivol do it again in their rematch the following month.

Benavidez Sr. said Bivel was “fast” and his “movement” was key in his mind as to why he deserved the win over Beterbiev. He didn't mention how timid and reluctant Bivol had been since the sixth round. He left that part out.

As Bivol ran around the ring, showing no heart, wolf escapeBeterbiev, throughout the second half of the contest. Many fans seemed to decide who won based on the first six rounds, and then mentally fell asleep with Beterbiev taking over the fight in the second half.

Boxing Confirmation Bias

It is called Confirmation biasAnd this happens when people form their opinions early on, making snap judgments about events, like the Bivol-Beterbiev 1 fight. People who felt Bivol collectively made up their minds after six rounds and then looked for evidence to support their anchored beliefs in the second half. They stopped Beterbiev's dominance as he controlled the fight with his constant pressure.

“I think it's going to be another close fight. We saw that both of them did the best. Both of their styles work for each other and I believe Bivel wins the first fight. For this fight, Bivol can win again,” Jose Benavidez told Sr Sean Zittel His thoughts on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bival rematch coming up on February 22nd.

“He's a little faster, he's got more movement,” Jose Sr. said of Bivol. “Beterbiev hits hard, and he's probably waiting for that big shot. Bival, hopefully, he doesn't stand in front of him and get hit with a big shot. So, I think it's going to be the same fight.

“Bevel, I think he won by one point. It was a very close fight. To me, it could have been a tie, but they gave it to Beterbiev. I'm not a judge, but I felt he (Bival) did enough to win that fight,” said Benavidez Sr.

Benavidez's Steak

If Bivol is victorious in a rematch with Beterbiev, it works for Jose Benavidez Sr. because his son, 'The Mexican Monster' David Benavidez, matches Bivol better. They have sparred in the past, and Benavidez has reportedly gotten the better of him with his pressure and volume.

Benavidez won't fare as well against Beterbiev as he hits a lot with his short-power punches and is an excellent counter puncher. The volume that Benavidez relies on to win his fights will leave him open to being nailed and hurt by Arter.

Furthermore, Beterbiev goes to the body well, and he took advantage of Benavidez's major weakness in that area. Benavidez doesn't handle body shots well, and Beterbiev would often target that area, hitting him in the middle of his flurry to score the knockout.

If Beterbiev is victorious against Bivol on February 22nd, Benavidez will have to seriously consider whether he wants to take this fight or move up to cruiserweight to go after Gilberto 'Jurdo' Ramirez.

Of course, if 'The Mexican Monster' Benavidez wins his fight against WBA 'regular' light heavyweight champion David Morrell on February 1st. Morel has a great chance of winning the fight with his superior strength, technical skills and youth.

Morel will face the winner of the Beterbiev vs. Bivel 2 rematch, with Benavidez having to decide whether to move up to cruiserweight or be one of the many contenders at 175. Jose Sr. will probably be cheering Bivol to win the rematch, knowing what the stakes are for his son Benavidez.

Rematch is around the corner 🌟#BetterbievBivol2 | 22 February #Riyadh season pic.twitter.com/BowSlWt3JA

— Top Boxing (@trboxing) January 22, 2025