Lyndon Arthur has made a U-turn for his prediction on Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.
Beterbiev and Bivol were set to meet in an undisputed title clash on June 1, but the showdown has been rescheduled for October 12 after the former suffered an injury.
The light-heavyweight champions are proving impossible to separate given it is an intriguing clash of styles between two undefeated fighters.
British contender Arthur, who sparred Beterbiev several years ago and lost to Bivol in a WBA world title shot in December last year, believes the former will emerge victorious.
He told talkSPORT.com: “Beterbiev hits hard, it would be definitely him who hits the hardest of the two.
“I believe Beterbiev wins now, I used to think Bivol, but I believe Beterbiev wins now.”
Arthur was dropped to the canvas in his defeat by the Russian champion, who outclassed him in a scintillating performance.
But the Briton survived the final bell where he was deemed to have lost on points, although he certainly showed bravery.
He has since returned with a split decision win over Liam Cameron, and believes he has what it takes to return to world level.
It will be a high stakes event at light-heavyweight for both Bivol and Beterbiev, who will look to make history and become the latest four-belt champion.
The fight has been on the table for several years, but several clashes during negotiations have presented issues which had previously derailed the showdown.
It is a real 50-50 match-up with the boxing world casting different predictions in favour of both fighters.
Bivol made a statement in a stoppage win in a tune-up fight for Beterbiev, defeating Malik Zinad with a fired-up display on June 1.
His promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted will continue to fire up Bivol to defeat the powerful 39-year-old – despite his own incredible streak.
“I don’t really like him [Beterbiev] to be honest. I think he’s arrogant,” Hearn said.
“Rightfully so because he’s incredibly dangerous and he really believes in himself. But we’re here to talk about the fight.
“I really want to beat him, I thought Callum Smith was going to do the job and Anthony Yarde wasn’t either unfortunately.
“It shows you how good Beterbiev is, but Bivol is special and it is going to be a tough fight for the undisputed world championship.”
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News Summary:
- I sparred Artur Beterbiev and was put on canvas by Dmitry Bivol in loss, but I’ve changed my mind on winner
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