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“I Don’t See It Going Past Five”: Artur Beterbiev’s Former Sparring Partner Gives Brutal Verdict on Potential Fight Between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

Published 01/11/2024, 11:45 AM EST

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Dmitry Bivol so badly wants to become an undisputed champion! However, a mountain stands in his path to glory named Artur Beterviev! What makes things even more complicated is the fact that Bivol’s Russian counterpart may lose his upcoming fight against Callum Smith. Nevertheless, Lonnie B., Beterbiev’s former sparring partner, thinks it wouldn’t come to that. 

While appearing in an interview with Fight Hype today, Lonnie B. doesn’t hold back while detailing his prediction of the potential Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight. Beterbiev’s old training partner especially highlights Bivol’s March 2019 fight against Joe Smith Jr

Lonnie B. doesn’t think Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol would be a good fight

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While speaking to Fight Hype, B claimed, “They talking about some Bivol [will] be a good fight. I don’t think so. I think Bivol gets knocked out pretty fast, too.” He went on to claim that Smith had Bivol rocked and stumbling. However, when the reporter pressed B by suggesting every great fighter has gotten rocked at one point or another, B had an answer for that, too. “I hear that, but here’s my thing – Bivol looked uncomfortable in there with Joe Smith pressure,” said Lonnie. 

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He suggested even though Bivol won the fight – Smith wore Bivol down pretty badly just by approaching him in a straight line. So, B claims Artur is much better than Smith, stating, “He’s physically strong, and Artur ain’t going to slow down like Joe Smith did.” He also added, “I promise you. I don’t see it going past five. I think Artur knocks Bivol out pretty fast.” However, Lonnie B. isn’t alone in predicting the winner between Bivol and Beterbiev.

WBC Lightweight champion predicts Bivol vs. Beterbiev

On January 6, Boxing Kingdom announced that a fight between Bivol and Beterbiev is all but confirmed. However, Beterbiev’s Callum fight is the only thing standing in the way. “Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is already signed for KSA. The only obstacle is Callum Smith next weekend. This could implode like Joshua vs Wilder…”

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Hours later, Shakur Stevenson found the tweet and proceeded to make his prediction for when the fight finally becomes a reality. “That’s a [fire emoji] fight…I think I’m taking Bivol in that one,” Stevenson wrote in his tweet. It’s worth mentioning that if Callum wins the fight on 13 January, Bivol might have to fight him instead. 

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With the potential fight between Bivol and Beterbiev gaining traction, Bivol’s former sparring partner seems confident about the outcome of the fight. However, only time can tell if Lonnie B’s prediction holds true. Who do you think would win?

Watch This Story: Boxing News Round-Up (Jan 29, 2023): Artur Beterbiev’s Impressive TKO Win Against Yarde, Tommy Fury Mocks Jake Paul, KSI’s Take If Fury Wins Against Paul, and More

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Written by:

Sudeep Sinha

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One take at a time

The first time boxing captured my attention, it was because of a line I heard in the film 'Rocky Balboa', a film surrounding boxing. The line went like this, "But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
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Edited by:

Snigdhaa Jaiswal