Dmitry Bivol sees Artur Beterbiev as human and can be beaten like the other fighters he defeated during his career.
Whether Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) wants to admit it or not, Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) is unlike the other fighters he’s fought in the past. This is going to be a very different fight than the best guys that Bivol has fought during his ten year career.
If he dismisses Beterbiev for being like all the rest, he could be in trouble on October 12 when they meet for the undisputed light heavyweight championship at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. WBA champion Bivol and IBF, WBC and WBO champion Beterbiev will fight for all the belts, with the winner the King of the 175-lb division.
The Eddie Hearn-promoted Bivol is getting a big push to win this fight, but it might not happen. If Bivol, 33, loses, he will still be young enough to bounce back and eventually capture another belt once Beterbiev retires or moves up in weight.
Since Bivol is a finesse fighter who has shown vulnerability against major champions, it is not a given that he will be able to take over the division once Beterbiev retires or moves on. There are a handful of punches who could slide into the slot to take Beterbiev’s place after he relinquishes his titles.
“Because I’ve been boxing since I can remember myself. I have to be the best version of me, and I can do that,” said Bivol Pro Boxing Fans when asked why he believed he could defeat Artur Beterbiev. “I’ve beaten a lot of people before, and he’s human too. We are all human. I can do it.”
Bivol seemed annoyed when talking about why he believes he will beat Beterbiev, and there could be some uncertainty on his part about that. If Bivol doubts his ability to win, that would explain his irritability.
He looked angry when he talked about it, but it won’t change anything. Bivol will have to figure out a way to not get hurt by Beterbiev, as he was defeated in his fight with Lyndon Arthur last December and in his matches against Craig Richards and Joe Smith Jr.
“We will see in the ring what I will do, but I believe I can (win). It doesn’t matter what he mentioned. Now, I’m busy,” Bivol said when told that Canelo Alvarez said he wanted to fight him next if he defeated Beterbiev. “We had time to make a rematch more than a year ago, but now I’m busy. If he really wants to, he should talk to Eddie Hearn.
“He is a very good fighter. He has a bright future in the light heavyweight division. Yes, why not?” Bivol said when asked about his interest in fighting David Benavidez.
There is a good chance that Bivol will meet Benavidez sooner or later if he retains the titles. Benavidez is the WBC interim and mandatory. He will become Bivol’s responsibility if he prevails against Beterbiev.
“Best fight in boxing. Beterbiev is an animal. Dmitry Bivol is a masterpiece. He won so convincingly against Canelo Alvarez,” Eddie Hearn told BoxNation. “It’s a pure 50-50 fight, one that I believe Dmitry can win, but it’s going to be a very hard night’s work against an absolute monster.”
Hearn is promoting Bivol, which will explain why he believes he will win this fight. However, he could lose, and it would be bad for Hearn, as a second popular Matchroom fighter recently bit the dust. Anthony Joshua lost last Saturday night, and Hearn took the loss pretty hard.
“For me, the two best light heavyweights in the world are fighting for the undisputed championship. It doesn’t get any bigger.”
Beterbiev and Bivol may not be the two best fighters in the 175-lb division. Neither guy has fought Joshua Buatsi, David Benavidez, David Morrell and Wily Hutchinson.
