Dmitry Bivol’s (23-0, 12 KOs) upcoming showdown against Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) might just be ‘the final step’ of his journey in the sport of boxing.
The light heavyweight superstar is currently gearing up to fight for the knockout maestro’s unified light heavyweight title on October 12. A potential win would, in turn, warrant him the division’s undisputed champion. While the title of the undisputed champion is impressive in itself, Bivol revealed why the victory would culminate his boxing journey.
Bivol was recently interviewed by Fight Hub TV. In conversation, he spoke about his training for the upcoming fight and what the victory would mean to him. “Many times, people ask me, ‘how you going to…what are you going to change for this opponent, what you going to change for that opponent?’ Most of time, I’m working on my good skills. I cannot add something new; I can only improve my skills; it will be better,” he said.
This was also an advice that he wished to share with other fighters. Bivol mentioned that boxers don’t have to change their styles or skills too drastically but instead focus on working with and improving what they’ve got.
While, Bivol has dominated the light heavyweight division since 2015 (after winning the vacant WBC–USNBC Silver light-heavyweight title), he is yet to test his mettle against Beterbiev. The duo was initially set to face each other on June 1, but the fight had to be rescheduled after Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus in training. With barely days remaining for the fight, he delved into what getting on the undisputed pedestal would mean to him. “It means a lot. It’s like final step in my journey. I had this dream from when I moved to pro from amateur boxing, and now, I have this chance,” he said.
“It’s Much More Meaningful”
There is no denying that Bivol has a lot of respect for his upcoming iron-fisted opponent. In the same interview, he mentioned why Beterbiev lives up to the notoriety of being one of the most exceptional pugilists in the sport. “He has a good punch, he’s strong, he’s really strong, he’s good in endurance, and he pressures a lot. And of course, to get used to these things, sparring partners help,” he said.
In fact, Bivol even revealed that his fight against Beterbiev means much more to him than his fight against the pound-for-pound king, Canelo Alvarez. “It’s not about personality; it’s about belt. Of course, fighting for the belt is much more meaningful for me, to be marked in the history. It’s a lot. Of course, it’s much more meaningful,” he said.
Will Bivol’s ring IQ crown him the new undisputed light heavyweight champion? Or will Beterbiev’s iron fists help him retain his throne? Tune in October 12.
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