Dmitry Bivol says he watched unified mild heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev’s final battle in opposition to Callum Smith on January thirteenth, noting that he’s nonetheless highly effective and combating at a excessive degree forward of their undisputed 175-lb championship conflict subsequent month on October twelfth in Riyadh.
Bivol’s Lengthy-Awaited Second
WBA mild heavyweight champion Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) says he has been specializing in turning into the undisputed champion within the weight class for a very long time, and now the second is lastly right here. Bivol, 33, should present that he can do it in opposition to IBF, WBC, and WBO champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) or surrender if he turns into his twenty first knockout sufferer.
Many followers are siding with Bivol to win, believing he’s acquired the youth and abilities to defeat the 39-year-old Beterbiev. Bivol has the technical capacity to win, however it will likely be arduous to keep away from the firefights that Beterbiev shall be compelled on him for the 12 rounds.
Whereas Bivol appeared good in opposition to the tiny 5’8″ Canelo Alvarez and knocked out Malik Zinad, it will likely be lots tougher for him to do the identical factor in opposition to Beterbiev.
“It’s two totally different folks, two completely totally different fighters,” mentioned Dmitry Bivol to the Queensberry Boxing channel when requested how Artur Beterbiev in comparison with Canelo Alvarez. “Artur is larger and has a stronger punch and totally different approach.”
Adapting to Beterbiev’s Fashion
The best way Bivol fought Canelo of their contest on Could 7, 2022, wouldn’t work in opposition to Beterbiev as a result of he ceaselessly fought along with his again in opposition to the rope through the bout. Bivol was shelling up and blocking the punches thrown by Canelo, who was throwing winging hooks that he may see coming. Beterbiev can be lots tougher to try this in opposition to as a result of he’ll be throwing combos and never hitting Bivol in between his photographs.
“You went to the ultimate cease in your profession on this weight class,” mentioned Bivol on what it could imply to him to be undisputed champion at 175. “He’s an excellent fighter, a great puncher, and has good approach,” mentioned Bivol about Beterbiev.”
If Bivol wins, there’s much more for him to do in his profession. There shall be a rematch with Beterbiev and probably a second battle with Canelo if he chooses to maneuver as much as 175 if provided sufficient cash. There would even be fights in opposition to David Benavidez and David Morrell, each of which now marketing campaign at 175.
Bivol would have a near-endless variety of fights accessible to him if he’s victorious in opposition to Beterbiev. After all, if Bivol loses to Beterbiev on October twelfth, he’ll have to determine the place to go. Does he take the rematch and danger a second defeat or transfer on to a number of the different fascinating fights accessible at mild heavyweight?
“Each battle that I’ve, I see it as probably the most troublesome problem for me,” mentioned Bivol. “It was a great efficiency. He confirmed that he nonetheless has the facility, strain, and he’s confidence,” mentioned Bivol when requested about Beterbiev’s final battle in opposition to Callum Smith on January thirteenth, which he gained by a Seventh-round technical knockout on the Videotron Centre in Quebec Metropolis, Canada.
Beterbiev appeared excellent, destroying Callum Smith in seven rounds, knocking out a fighter who had by no means been stopped in his profession. Canelo had overwhelmed Smith by a large 12-round unanimous resolution on December 19, 2020, however he had by no means damage him within the battle. Beterbiev destroyed Smith and took some huge photographs whereas doing it.
“We are going to see within the ring how it will likely be,” mentioned Bivol, describing how he views Beterbiev’s energy. “It’s not private. He has what I need [IBF, WBC, and WBO 175-lb titles] and what I would like. I can say I imagine in my abilities. I’ll do every thing to be undisputed, and I’m able to doing it.
