Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitri Bivol 2: Full card breakdown and predictions

We are just a few days away from arguably the greatest fight card in boxing history, as the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitri Bivol rematch is due to take place this Saturday. 

Today, we’ll be looking at each fight on this historic show and be giving out our official predictions.

Almost every fight on this card is difficult to predict – we’re going to leave that there as an unofficial disclaimer, just in case we’re spectacularly wrong. After all, everyone’s an expert with the benefit of hindsight!

Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith 

An all-British clash worthy of headlining any show in England (and perhaps beyond), this one should be an interesting clash of styles from two heavy hitters. 

Smith is the naturally bigger man, despite having spent less time at light heavyweight than Buatsi. In some ways, Buatsi is a good opponent for Smith – the scouser struggles against rough housers, but is also very hittable. 

We think Buatsi’s impressive ability to switch up his attacks and keep Smith busy should be enough to score him the win here. Smith’s punch resistance is not what it used to be, especially after his mauling at the hands of Beterbiev. 

Prediction: Joshua Buatsi by 11th round TKO

Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel

Another fascinating clash that could go either way, we’re picking Agit Kabayel in this one. Of course, Zhang could end the contest in an instant, but Kabayel is a smart fighter who will know the danger he presents. 

Furthermore, his attacks to the body could give Zhang – who already has a suspect engine – a world of trouble. Cast your mind back to when Kabayel ruthlessly pummelled the ribs of Arslanbek Makhmudov back in 2023. 

Of course, Zhang is several leagues above Makhmudov, but he does not want to leave himself exhausted at any point in this contest. Kabayel will jump on him and likely force a stoppage, with the chances of this happening becoming more prominent as the bout draws on. 

Prediction: Agit Kabayel by 8th round TKO

Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Israil Madrimov

Perhaps the most difficult fight to predict on the entire card is Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs Israil Madrimov. Both are looking to rebound – Ortiz put forth a sputtering performance against Serhii Bohachuk in his last fight, while Madrimov suffered his first professional loss against Terence Crawford. 

Ortiz is still somewhat young and unrefined – we saw in his last fight that he struggles against opponents he can’t blow away with sheer power. 

Madrimov, meanwhile, is technically adroit. He will frustrate Ortiz for long periods in this one – while he may taste the canvas at some stage, we’re expecting him to come away with a decision win.

Prediction: Israel Madrimov by SD

Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz

We’re going for the surprise in this one. Hamzah Sheeraz may be the challenger, but he is certainly the favourite going into this one. 

Adames is incredibly tough and will be a difficult foe to stop – meanwhile, he possesses a wicked overhand right that could easily put Sheeraz away in a flash.

This is a punch that Sheeraz is vulnerable to, as seen in his fight with Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams back in 2024. Additionally, he likes to entertain audiences by getting tangled up in brawls – something that could be his downfall in this one.

Prediction: Carlos Adames by 7th round KO

Shakur Stevenson vs Floyd Schofield Jr.

The only fight on the card that isn’t a ‘pick ‘em’, Shakur Stevenson will enter as the heavy favourite to win this one. 

For all the bravado, Floyd Schofield will likely be far too inexperienced and basic to solve the Shakur puzzle. Meanwhile, Stevenson can pick off his 22 year old opponent with sharp straight shots to keep him at bay.

Of course, Schofield isn’t incapable of causing a major upset here, but the safe money will be undoubtedly going on Stevenson by a wide unanimous decision.

Prediction: Shakur Stevenson by UD

Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker

This one promises to be a fascinating contest – a classic ‘boxer vs puncher’ affair. Additionally, both fighters are bang in form.

Nevertheless, we’ll back Parker in this one. Dubois is very powerful, but in turn, Parker is very resilient – not to mention elusive. DDD has a habit of telegraphing his punches, which Parker will be able to capitalise on. 

Of course, Dubois could simply bully the Kiwi around the ring, but he won’t do this if Parker can get his attention early on. He isn’t the biggest puncher in the division by a long stretch, but he can uncork a right hand that will definitely give Dubois something to think about. It’s close, very close, but we’ll pick Parker by unanimous decision. 

Prediction: Joseph Parker by UD

Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitri Bivol

The rematch of the year is almost upon us – and we’re picking Artur Beterbiev to pick up a second successive win over his domestic rival.

To defeat Beterbiev, one must get his attention early and be able to push him back. Bivol simply does not have the power, nor the aggressive style to achieve this. 

Beterbiev may have trouble pinning Bivol down, as he often did in the first fight, but one punch from the Russian-born Canadian can completely flip the script. Bivol will probably come on stronger in this one, but this may be to his detriment – especially if he begins walking onto power shots.

Prediction: Artur Beterbiev by UD