The Hammer and the Nail: Artur Beterbiev fights Oleksandr Gvozdyk

Particulars: On October 18, 2019 from the Liacouras Center, Philadelphia (ESPN) it’s light heavyweight champions ‘King’ Artur Beterbiev (IBF) vs. Oleksandr “The Nail” Gvozdyk (WBC) fighting for both world titles.

Background: Sparks should fly in what will be a fan friendly fight between two Americanized, Eastern European fighters. Both were superb amateurs. There’s also a revenge angle because as amateurs, Beterbiev once defeated Gvozdyk.

While there isn’t a tremendous buzz about this fight, in fact, it’s a critical affair that will be the making of one boxer and huge setback for the other. Unless of course they draw or there’s a terrible decision. Not that that could happen in boxing, right?

The fighters aren’t amateurs any longer – rather middle aged (for boxing) professionals, hoping to be thrust into more of the spotlight in the very deep light heavyweight division. Let’s face it, the Light heavy most think of is Kovalev – who I think is egregiously handled and should have an ‘O’ record, but that’s another story.

What we have is a guy - in Beterbiev, - who, according to the buzz around the sport, is one of the hardest hitters in boxing. Gvozdyk may not hit as hard but is somewhat the better boxer and most say, more agile with his footwork than Beterbiev. That said, in his tragic fight with Adonis Stevenson – which may yet end happily – Gvozdyk was battered at times. So how much better exactly, is Gvozdyk’s footwork, one might well ask? All in all-a compelling shootout.

Fighter’s Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)

Oleksandr Gvozdyk: B B+ B B- C+ B B+ (Average of all) B- (2.9)

Artur Beterbiev: B A B C+ C+ B B+ (Average of all) B- (2.9)

Reality Check: Perhaps the perceived greater mobility of the Ukrainian is why Gvozdky is the favorite. Perhaps he is slightly the better athlete – though boxing is a specialist sport. Fact is, both boxers are in their thirties, but arguably with few professional fights, the pair have sustained only moderate wear and tear. It seems that every professional bout is the equivalent of ten or more amateur tilts – and both of these guys are products of a deep and exacting amateur system. To adjust this quickly to the pro game is a testimony to great skill and fortitude.

Many have written Beterbiev is ‘plodding,’ but readers are encouraged to watch him on film – see if you don’t agree that he is not. In fact, while Gvozdyk is a better boxer, to these eyes, that advantage is slight. Both guys can throw arrow straight punches – a quality sometimes lacking in Eastern European transplants and both are quick enough. While most give Gvozdyk the edge in speed, I won’t know until fight night – their speed looks comparable. King Artur Beterbiev hits much harder. What about punch resistance? You’ve got one slightly quicker guy in Gvozdyk who isn’t exactly a defensive specialist, vs. much the same in Beterbiev who hits much harder – so you have to go with Beterbiev. But then – Gvozdyk’s professional opponents have been much better than Beterbiev’s. So, go figure.

Personal: The clear winner in the English Language Sweepstakes is Gvozdyk, whose English skills seem to improve by the minute, though Beterbiev can make himself understood in our difficult tongue. Eastern Europe takes the prize for mastery of languages. Speaking of smarts, Teddy Atlas says for the record, Gvozdyk is the smartest fighter he’s ever worked with. Both men seem like decent guys and are pleasant and accommodating to reporters. Gvozdyk has handled Adonis Stevenson’s horrendous injuries with great tact: He had every reason to hate Stevenson pre-fight, but after the disaster he has been kind to a fault and eager to keep up with every ray of hope – and miraculously, there have been many.

Fight and Prediction: Maybe Gvozdky is slightly more mobile than his opponent. He better be. Beterbiev has knocked out ALL 14 of his previous opponents. Gvozdyk has a better resume, simple as that. I’m looking for a terrific, fan friendly contest. If Beterbiev lands one of his bombs, it could be goodnight Oleksandr. Still, I’m going with my gut…

Oleksandr Gvozdyk UD12 Artur Beterbiev