Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Press Conference Quotes and Fight Prediction
Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) and Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) will have their legacy-defining battle this Saturday.
The two men headline a Riyadh Season card at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Boxing fans around the world can catch the action as a pay-per-view on DAZN. However, Beterbiev-Bivol will not be part of the pay-per-view for those in the United States and Canada. Those in the United States can watch that fight exclusively on ESPN+. A Canadian broadcaster for Beterbiev-Bivol has yet to be named. Those in the United Kingdom can watch on TNT Sports Box Office or Sky Sports Box Office.
Beterbiev-Bivol is part of Riyadh Season, a Saudi Arabian state-funded entertainment and sports festival. The Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority is responsible for its organization.
Ahead of their October 12 clash, both fighters spoke at a final press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol Press Conference Quotes
Artur Beterbiev
“We’ll see [what happens],” said Beterbiev, who holds the IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight titles. “They choose me. [Turki Alalshikh] choose me. Let’s do it.”
“It’s not my business, Canelo or someone. I have now fight on Saturday. I’m focused only for this fight.”
Dmitry Bivol
“Every time when I think about my opponents, I’m getting excited,” said Bivol, the reigning WBA champion. “Because one of them [was Canelo]. It [was] exciting to fight against this guy. Another one [Gilberto Ramírez] had around 50 fights, never lost. Another guy, [was] a champion also [unclear who he is referring to here]. And it makes me more excited, not nervous, not something. And Artur is a great champion. He has what I want. He has belts. And it’s not only about belts. When I look at his skills, I want to check my skills also against this amazing fighter.”
Fight Prediction
Bivol is excellent defensively. However, Beterbiev knows his way around a ring. In addition to that, he possesses almost mythical power. Bivol may be able to win early rounds, but his opponent will land punches and those shots will hurt. Expect Beterbiev to gradually wear down the WBA champion and eventually claim a stoppage win by round 11.
Full Press Conference
For the press conference in its entirety, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.
Currently writing out of Toronto, Canada, Saadeq first became a boxing fan while living in Doha, Qatar. Looking to become more involved in the sport, he began writing about boxing and has had work published in outlets such as Seconds Out and Boxing Social. He looks forward to continue covering boxing on Big Fight Weekend.
