Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

Bivol doesn't need to be greedy but when he's in the centre of the ring, he needs to let his hands go more.

"We have him now Artur!"

Beterbiev's corner are excited between rounds! They smell a finish...

Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

He was definitely hurt there was Beterbiev but so was Bivol!

Image source, Getty Images

Into the second half of the fight we go.

Remember, Beterbiev has won all of his fights inside the distance - he's only been beyond round seven five times in his 20 fights.

Wow.

This has just burst into life.

Beterbiev is forced back on to the ropes by a big left hand but he comes out swinging and forces Bivol back across the ring thanks to a heavy jab and short left hook.

Andy Lee
Former middleweight world champion on DAZN

Bivol is landing his best shots and Beterbiev doesn't flinch, he comes right back at him. That's the demoralising thing.

It's starting to feeling a little ominous here.

Beterbiev is changing levels and Bivol has gone into his shell.

Bivol is no longer throwing first, he's worried about what is coming the other way.

He eventually does start to go to work and has some success but it's only brief as Beterbiev throws a right over Bivol's jab.

Beterbiev is walking Bivol down as the round comes to a close.

Image source, Getty Images

Barry Jones
Former world champion on DAZN

Because Beterbiev is so naturally heavy-handed, you don't want to throw. You want to make sure you're safe first.

Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

Beterbiev is waiting for you to slow down, he's waiting for you to make mistakes.

This fight seems to be turning.

Bivol is taking damage.

Beterbiev lands a right hook and Bivol tries to back off but he eats one to the body in the process.

Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

That was better from Beterbiev, he got closer and was intelligent with his work. He was getting forward and picking his shots well.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Tony Bellew
Retired world champion on X

It’s 3-0 Bivol but he’s getting closer is Beterbiev! He’s trying to get Bivol to punch at the same time as himself as he’s the slower fighter! Gives him a better chance of landing clean.

Andy Lee
Former middleweight world champion on DAZN

Beterbiev doesn't seem fazed by Bivol's power and he's creeping forward.

Beterbiev's hands are dropping when he tries to find Bivol, he's getting caught on the counter - this time it's a right hook.

The speed of Bivol is looking like a big factor at the moment.

Beterbiev doesn't work the body, as was requested by his corner, but is starting to land a little more.

It seems the data has been downloaded and he might just be growing into this fight.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

Bivol showed at the end of that round that he has that nastiness and that will to win and that desire.

Beterbiev's corner ask for some work to the body.

The Russian has been too predictable so far.

If there's one thing we know about Beterbiev, it's that he has an incredible fight IQ.

He needs to make the adjustments to be able to find a foothold in this bout.

Beterbiev has come out with more aggression, he's trying to close off the ring, but Bivol continues to shuffle out of range.

Bivol lands a right but catches one back.

Another hook finds a way through from Bivol.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions

Darren Barker
Former world middleweight champion on DAZN

The pace did pick up at the end of that round and that will suit Beterbiev.

Barry Jones
Former world champion on DAZN

I'm surprised Beterbiev hasn't looked to go to the body yet. He's a bit of a slow starter but he's also patient.

Bivol goes back to that jab to start the round and he's starting to vary it with a hook too.

Beterbiev struggled with the left hook of Anthony Yarde in 2023 - he took a fair bit of damage before eventually getting the win by technical knockout in round eight.

Really nice work from Bivol. He's moving from side to side, landing regularly with stiff jabs and avoiding anything coming the other way.

Image source, Getty Images

Barry Jones
Former world champion on DAZN

Bivol has slowed Beterbiev down here, he's stopped him from walking forward.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions