On Saturday, March 9, 2019, undefeated WBA World Champion Dmitry Bivol (15-0 11 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Russia, is set to face the “common man” Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. (24-2 20 KOs) of Mastic Beach, NY.
The bout is set to take place at Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, New York and is streaming live on DAZN.
Read on for Round By Round Boxing‘s staff predictions for Dmitry Bivol vs. Joe Smith Jr. and let us know who you think will win.
Round By Round Boxing Staff Predictions - 2020
| Name | Win | Loss | Total Fights | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Burgos | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0.5 |
| Hans Themistode | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0.66666666666667 |
| R.L. Woodson | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.8 |
| Robert Contreras | 6 | 0 | 6 | 1 |
Dmitry Bivol vs. Joe Smith Jr.
Ed Mulholland/Matchroom Boxing USA
Hans Themistode, Staff Writer
Let’s get straight to the point. Dmitry Bivol is the best fighter in the Light Heavyweight division.
Joe Smith Jr. will provide a tough test, but nothing else. Bivol will win this contest decisively.
Prediction: Bivol
Andrew Kang, Staff Writer
Dmitry Bivol may now be the class of the Light Heavyweights. Too much power and speed for Joe Smith Jr. to overcome.
Prediction: Bivol
Amber Williams, Photographer
Prediction: Smith Jr.
Michael Burnell, Staff Writer
This will be a fun, fan friendly fight that should be competitive as long as Joe Smith Jr. has stayed in shape since his last fight in June of last year.
Both fighters bring the noise and work to close the show early. Dmitry Bivol seems to be the more patient, measured fighter in contrast to a rougher, blue-collar style of Smith Jr.
I’m really looking forward to this one and give the edge to Bivol by rough, hard-fought, but unanimous decision.
Prediction: Bivol
Robert Contreras, Staff Writer
Dmitry Bivol, right smack in the prime of his career, is coming off one hell of a 2018: defeating three fine opponents.
Against Joe Smith Jr., Bivol can add another notable name to his ledger. Smith Jr. was an underground celebrity in 2016 for back-to-back knockouts over betting favorites Andrzej Fonfara and Bernard Hopkins.
Of course, a loss to Sullivan Barrera let the air out of the balloon. Smith Jr. can punch, but is a limited fighter compared to Bivol. The champion has far more wrinkles to his game and will win by wide margins if not a knockout.
Prediction: Bivol
R.L. Woodson, Staff Writer
The jury’s still out regarding Dmitry Bivol’s versatility and adaptability, but he showed he could convincingly defeat a solid veteran in Jean Pascal.
Joe Smith Jr. will look to win by relying on his power, but that strategy could play into Bivol’s hand. I’d expect there to be at least one knockdown between the two, possibly a stoppage by Bivol, but Smith Jr. comes up short in the end.
Prediction: Bivol
Joshua Diaz, Staff Writer
This should be an exciting fight between champion and contender.
Dmitry Bivol is a great boxer, but doesn’t have the best defense and can be hit. I expect Joe Smith Jr. to land at least one big right hand on Bivol.
Ultimately, Bivol is too good technically should outbox Smith Jr. for a win.
Prediction: Bivol
Alan Garcia, Staff Writer
Dmitry Bivol vs. Joe Smith Jr. should be a very entertaining fight. Both fighters are strong and competitive, tough men, but the winning outcome of this Light Heavyweight fight will be left to skill and ability.
And Dmitry Bivol, in my opinion, is the most skillful and talented fighter between the two.
It’s my strong conviction that bouts such as this one, is what the essence of boxing is all about because championship fights don’t make fights, styles make fights, and this will be an entertaining clash of styles from the opening bell until its bitter end.
Prediction: Bivol
Eric Ramos, Staff Writer
Dmitry Bivol dominates Joe Smith Jr. to win by 12-round decision.
Prediction: Bivol
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
Dmitry Bivol will get some good early work from Joe Smith Jr., but I expect to breakdown the tough, but limited Smith Jr. in the mid-to-late rounds.
Can we get Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev already? Thanks!
Prediction: Bivol
