Bivol Ready For Beterbiev’s Power – ‘I Will Do Everything’
Dmitry Bivol says he is prepared to face Artur Beterbiev’s power ahead of their Undisputed Light Heavyweight Bout.
Bivol, who is the WBA Champion, puts his undefeated record of 23-0 on the line. He defeated Malik Zinad in his last fight to set up the undisputed bout. Bivol is much younger at 33, while Beterbiev is 39. However, Beterbiev has shown he is still a dangerous fighter based on his last performance. He stopped former world champion Callum Smith to extend his unbeaten record to 20-0. That continued his 100 percent knockout rate.
The winner will become the best light heavyweight of this era. Bivol’s biggest win was against Canelo Alvarez. The Mexican moved up from super middleweight. Bivol outboxed him for most of the fight to win a unanimous decision. In his comments following the fight, Canelo said he had been injured, which prevented him from executing his game plan. Bivol will take confidence from that performance but sees Beterbiev as a tougher opponent.
Bivol On Beterbiev
“Every fight that I have, I see it as the most difficult challenge for me. It was a good performance. He showed that he still has the power, pressure, and he’s confidence. We will see in the ring how it will be. It’s not personal. He has what I want [IBF, WBC, and WBO 175-lb titles] and what I need. I can say I believe in my skills. I will do everything to be undisputed, and I’m capable of doing it,” Bivol said
A key factor in this fight will be the game plan. Bivol is a master of distance and range which he demonstrated against Canelo. He was able to stay at range, cut the distance to land, before moving out of harm’s way. Beterbiev will attempt to get on the inside, which means bypassing Bivol’s jab. He will aim to back up Bivol and target the body to lower the guard, making it easier to land upstairs. Then the question will be whether Bivol can handle the power.
Who Wins?
Beterbiev has never gone the distance. If Bivol takes the bout into the latter rounds of the fight, he has previously shown that he wins decisions. In addition, stamina could become a factor if Beterbiev has to go the distance. Beterbiev’s recent performances showed that he was hit more than normal. The Anthony Yarde fight proved that, as he was repeatedly tagged by the Brit. While he walked him down to get the stoppage, Bivol’s defense is far superior. Lyndon Arthur who has sparred Beterbiev and faced Bivol recognized that Dmitry had a tough task.
“I’ve sparred Beterbiev, I know how how hard he hits in 16 ounces. I wouldn’t like to take them shots in 10 ounces. Not for as long as that anyway as a twelve round fight. I don’t know men, Bivol’s a boxer through and through and he’ll be happy to stay in there and box his head off if it can be done. I’m excited for that fight. I’m sitting on the fence,” Artur stated
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