Unified Light Heavyweight Champion Artur Beterbiev and WBA Champion Dmitry Bivol made their Grand Arrivals today for their Saturday night showdown in Riyadh. The struggling Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) assured that his surgically repaired knee is “fine” and is ready to go for his undisputed championship fight against Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs).
Bivol (33) made it clear that he needs to be 100% focused for him to defeat Beterbiev. He knows he can’t afford to slip up for a moment in this fight, because Beterbiev hits too hard, and will put him in trouble.
It is unknown how Bivol will win this fight because the way he has fought Canelo Alvarez, Malik Zinad and Gilberto Ramirez in the past will be too risky to do. Beterbiev is an excellent counter puncher and will benefit from the combination punches that Bivol uses to win his fights.
Dmitry Bivol: “It’s a dream fight for all fighters, and I’m so happy to have this chance because a lot of great fighters haven’t gotten this chance. I have it. I waited, and I worked hard. Now I have to work in the ring,” BIvol said during today’s Grand Arrivals in Riyadh.
“I don’t care about 50-50, 60-40. It’s just numbers. I’m just focused on my task in the ring. We will see uncontested fight,” Bivol said when asked what fans will see in his showdown against Beterbiev on Saturday night. “Obviously, people have been waiting for this fight for many years.
“It’s two different styles, two undefeated boxers. I’m waiting for this big fight.”
Arthur Beterbiev: “Yes, I’m good. My knee is fine too. Maybe I’m not thinking about it, but now it’s going to happen, I hope,” Beterbiev said when asked if he was thinking about his undisputed championship at 175 against Bivol. “We will see on October 12,” said Beterbiev, in response to the question of ‘How tough’ is Bivol.’
“I just have to be my best version. I just have to do my job and be focused all the seconds and use all my skills 100%,” Bivol said about what he needs to do to defeat Beterbiev. “
