Dmitry Bivol vs Lyndon Arthur Prediction: Easy Sparring for Champ

On December 23rd in Saudi Arabia, Dmitry Bivol will defend his title again.

Dmitry Bivol became the WBA champion in 2017 and has defended the title ever since. In his last fight, he dismantled undefeated Mexican Gilberto Ramirez (44-0-0 record). Before that, Dmitry sensationally (he was the bookies' underdog) technically beat Saul Alvarez. So, the whole boxing world was waiting for his confrontation with another top Russian, Artur Beterbiev, but organizing the fight was still impossible. And to be in tone and keep in shape, Bivol has to fight, to put it mildly, with boxers of a lower level.

In his last bout, Lyndon Arthur knocked out Brian Nahuel Suarez (18-1-0 record at the time) and took the vacant IBO light heavyweight belt. One won't find any big names among the boxers he defeated but note that most of his victories were knockouts. The only defeat in his career Arthur also suffered by knockout - it happened in 2021, and he finished Anthony Yarde in the fourth round. By the way, it was a rematch after Arthur's controversial victory in their first bout. His most dangerous weapon is his jab, which many consider the best in the UK.

It is unlikely that we will see anything new as the bout will be like more like training sparring. Dmitry will work by book, breaking his opponent, clamping him in the corners, and practicing as a punching bag. At the same time, he is likely to change the pace occasionally. At some point, Lyndon may be unable to hold out and break. Still, it is unlikely that Bivol will push things and take the bout to the final bell, prolonging his "workout."