Watch Dmitry Bivol vs. Joshua Buatsi — WBA Light Heavyweight Title Free.

What's at Stake

This championship bout represents a critical juncture for the light heavyweight division as Dmitry Bivol defends his WBA crown against his long-awaited mandatory challenger. For Bivol, a victory secures his status as one of the pound-for-pound elite and paves the way for undisputed unification, while Joshua Buatsi seeks to finally fulfill his potential by capturing his first world title on the global stage.

Head-to-Head

While this is the first professional meeting between the two, their paths have mirrored one another as top-tier technicians within the 175-pound landscape. Bivol enters the ring with the momentum of a long-reigning champion who has consistently neutralized elite opposition with his footwork and jab. Buatsi remains undefeated, having climbed the rankings with a series of domestic and continental victories that have tested his durability and tactical patience.

Key Players to Watch

• Dmitry Bivol — The champion’s elite distance management and rhythmic combinations make him the most difficult puzzle to solve in the division.
• Joshua Buatsi — The challenger possesses explosive power and a high-level amateur pedigree, capable of changing the fight with a single counter-hook.
• Joel Diaz — Bivol’s trainer will be vital in crafting the defensive blueprint to nullify Buatsi’s physical advantages and reach.

Prediction

Dmitry Bivol is expected to control the tempo of the fight using his superior lateral movement and consistent lead hand to frustrate the challenger. While Buatsi will likely have moments of success in the middle rounds by forcing physical exchanges, Bivol’s championship experience should see him pull away on the cards. The prediction is a Bivol victory via unanimous decision in a high-level tactical display.