Dmitry Bivol came well prepared for today’s press conference for his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev for their rematch next month on February 22nd in Riyadh.
Beterbiev’s menacing stare
Former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) had a humorous line when the moderator asked what his message to Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) was: “I’m not a postman not. I’m an athlete.” The line made everyone laugh, except Beterbiev, who shot Bivol a look that said, ‘You’ll see.’
That look said it all. Bivol will be knocked out unless he runs like he did last time in his 12-round majority decision loss to Beterbiev on October 12. Bivol couldn’t stand against Beterbiev last time after he started to pressure him in the sixth. In the sixth,
Bivol tried to stand his man and staggered. From there he abandoned ship and went on a long retreat, taking shots as he ran, holding on and showing no willingness to fight. Bivol fans were disheartened, believing their hero had won, but they did not face the truth.
He lost his nerve and courage when he needed it against Beterbiev. Bivol looked like he was being chased by an angry wolf in the forest. His eyes were wide with fear, and he showed no heart. He was a classic example of a fighter who lost his nerve and only went to survive to avoid humiliation.
Today at the press conference, Bivol spouted empty words and spoke of “Luck” which has nothing to do with success. This is a common phase in Eastern Europe, but in this case the words were unconvincing because he was not going to fight harder than last time.
If he does, he will probably be knocked out because he lacks the courage, knowledge and strength to stand up to the hungry wolf, Beteriev.
Beterbiev won their previous bout with the core 115-113, 16-112, 114-114
The Hunter returns
Dmitry Bivol: “It’s a good chance for me. I know people like the first fight, and they want to see the second fight. I want to make second fight, and I want to be winner of this fight. What about belts I could see. Before, I wanted these belts so badly and nothing else. Today I don’t just want the belts, I want revenge. I want to fix what I did before. I want to win. It’s not just about belts,” Bivol said during today’s press conference.
“I need to change enough to prove that I’m better, and I need to add more actions. We’ve already changed a little with training camp. We added a trainer to our training camp, and now I’m working on myself. Of course I want to be better. I want to be perfect, and I try to be.”
Arthur Beterbiev: “My goal now is to keep my belts, and I will do my best to do that. He has a rematch if he wants to do that (get revenge). For better enough to win. Just enough to win. I don’t know. Maybe because he was happy that night,” Beterbiev said about why Bivol saw the final bell in their previous fight on October 12.”
Bivol: “I don’t believe too much in luck. I think happiness will come to people who work a lot, and I work on it and I become happy. Happiness will not come without work. I have no messages. I’m not the postman. I am an athlete. I’ll come to the ring, and we’ll talk through action.”
Beterbiev: “You mean postman? No, I think we’re going to see a good fight on February 22nd. My message is be ready. This is it. Nothing more.”
