James Toney names the only fighter who would beat both Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

Although many people consider Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev to be the best fighters in their division, James Toney believes he knows a man who would beat both of them.

Bivol and Beterbiev fight for the undisputed light heavyweight title this Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Whoever emerges victorious also has a strong claim to be at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings given their achievements in the sport.

Unified champion Beterbiev is a knockout machine who has stopped all 20 men he has faced to date within the distance, making him the only current world titleholder with a 100% knockout rate.

Bivol is also undefeated in all competitions, but has approached his work differently, winning most of his fights on points by using his deft skills, sharp punch combinations and excellent judgment in defense. His most outstanding victory to date came in 2022 over Canelo Alvarez.

Speaking to Boxing News, former multiweight world champion Toney was looking forward to the fight, but also named David Benavidez as a man he believes would beat both of them.

“This fight could actually be the Hagler-Hearns of this century. I love both of them, both can fight, but you know what, that boy, The Mexican Monster, he's after them. Benavidez will beat the winner.”

He was then asked who would win if Bivol and Beterbiev competed against each other.

“If it was boxing, it would be Bivol. Knockout Beterbiev.”

Former super middleweight champion Benavidez is currently the interim WBC light heavyweight belt holder, having recently announced that his next fight in that division will be against Cuban David Morrell.