Trainer Manny Robles got a close-up look at the first encounter between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

Robles was in Saudi Arabia cornering Mohammed Alakel on the October card and witnessed Beterbiev outlast Bivol on the scorecards to land the majority decision win and the undisputed light heavyweight title.

In the fight, Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) started strong only to see Beterbiev mount a comeback in the second half of the fight to score the win. The win marked the only time that the power-punching Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) did not finish an opponent.

Robles, who coaches the likes of WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza, Serhii Bohachuk, and Terrell Gausha, among other fighters, believes Beterbiev’s prolific power will be the difference maker in the sequel on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“It's going to be a great fight, just like the first fight,” Robles told The Ring in an interview. “I think Beterbiev will come out on top. Beterbiev's power is going to be the separating and determining factor. The fight is definitely going to be fought at a different pace. Bivol is a great fighter, but he got a taste of Beterbiev's power the first time around. I just don't see how he can go another 12 rounds putting up with the power of Beterbiev. It could be a knockout.

“I think Beterbiev gained Bivol's respect with his power. The second half of the fight really showed Beterbiev's power. It's rare to have the power that Beterbiev has. He's a very strong and solid fighter with skills who can crack and do damage.

“Bivol doesn't carry the same kind of power that Beterbiev carries. Bivol is the more skillful fighter of the pair, however. In order for Bivol to beat him he has to outbox him, but I don't know how long he can do that. How long can he keep Beterbiev away from getting to him?”