Dmitry Bivol is working on his strength to improve and increase his power for his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh.
Two months ago, Beterbiev defeated Bivol by a 12-round majority decision, but he is getting a second chance due to complaints from fans and Dmitry’s promoters. There was no real controversy. To sum it up, Bivol’s nerves failed him, and he did not want to fight Beterbiev.
Beterbiev dominated and earned the victory with a score of 8-4. I watched the fight and had it 9-3 for Beterbiev.
The scores
115-113: Beterbiev
114-114
116-112: Beterbiev
Round Two
Dmitri looked like a scared rabbit in the previous battle and was unwilling to fight the wolfish Beterbiev then pressed in the sixth round. It’s hard to imagine the rematch being any different than the first fight, as Bivol lacks the chin, strength and, more importantly, the courage to stand and fight Beterbiev.
Dmitry talks about wanting to be more aggressive for the second match, but when he gets in the ring with Beterbiev and the artillery starts raining down on his position, Bivol’s fear will resurface. He will then run around the ring like last time, making it boring for fans to watch. He has no heart for fighting.
Former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 14 KOs) was lacking in his power game in his 12-round majority decision loss to Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) two months ago on October 12th. He needs to build himself up in this area if he wants a chance to win the rematch.
Turki Al-Shiekh gave Bivol a chance to avenge his loss, but if he is beaten this time, he will have no more chances. His promoters and loyal fans shocked by the loss last October, believed he had done enough to win, but he didn’t.
Ideally, another opponent should have been allowed to challenge Beterbiev rather than running it back with an unnecessary rematch. The boxing world would have preferred David Benavidez, Joshua Buatsi or David Morrell to face Beterbiev rather than the defensive minded Bivol getting another chance.
Bivol’s adaptations
The Beterbiev-Bivol fight was boring because of the defensive style Bivol brought to the fight, which involved using the Shakur-esque three-foot step back, movement and clinch. Beterbiev made the whole fight by attacking and chasing Bivol like a rabbit.
Bivol (34) fled when Beterbiev started to pressure him in the second half of the match. He showed that he wanted no part of mixing it up with the undefeated unified champion.
What Bivol must do to win rematch
– Stay in the bag: Don’t run
– Be brave
– Touch more
– Attack the body
– Limit movement
Bivol isn’t young at 34, and he can’t move for 12 straight rounds to avoid Beterbiev’s attacks. We saw it the last time they fought, and it cost him when he gassed because of his decision to run when Artur pushed.
Bivol equalizes for the rematch 📈#BeterbievBivol2 | #Riyadh Season | Feb 22, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh
📸 @bivol_d pic.twitter.com/yjXFzgaHB7
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 31, 2024
