Dmitry Bivol Exclusive: Talks Final Preparations and Beterbiev’s Power Ahead of Saudi Clash

On October 12, Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will face Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) in the highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight clash in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These two titans in the division will collide in what promises to be a fascinating night for boxing fans around the world. Ahead of fight week, Bivol has spoken to Dan Rafael about his preparation, the threat from Beterbiev and a potential Canelo rematch.

Dmitry Bivol Discusses Training and Facing Artur Beterbiev

Bivol Breaks Down Facing Beterbiev

Following the initial introductions, Rafael asked Bivol how the final part of his training camp had been going:“Everything was good. We came here, and we already started training. We go to a nice gym – and we have a nice mood.”

When asked what it would mean to become the first four-belt undisputed light heavyweight champion, Bivol said: “It means a lot. It’s the final step in my career.”

Read More: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol: Roy Jones Jr. Reveals His Prediction

He continued: “Im in boxing since 1996. All this journey was for this, to get this chance to win, and I will try to do all my best. Of course, it means a lot. I don’t want to even think about it to be honest, because when I start thinking about it, I have goosebumps.”

He added: “He’s the most dangerous fighter, with 100% KO. For me, it’s exciting to try my skills against this guy.”

To hear the Bivol interview and more from the “Fight Freaks Unite Preview Podcast” with Dan Rafael and TJ Rives, click the play button below.

Staying Active

The initial bout between Bivol and Beterbiev was scheduled for June 1 – but a ruptured meniscus for the Montreal resident meant a delay to the fight, with Bivol choosing to stay active in beating Malik Zinad on the 5v5 undercard. Talking about the Zinad fight and staying active, Bivol said: “I didn’t think too much about knockouts, I was just focused more about being the winner of each fight I got and to be active and to be available for the chance when I have it.”

Read More: Beterbiev vs. Bivol: Predictions from Darren Barker, Joseph Parker, and Ariel Helwani

He continued: “I just have to be ready for the chance like this time. I got the chance and I’m ready.” I have my belt and I have my health and I can fight.”

Artur Beterbiev

Rafael then asked Bivol about the power of Beterbiev: “He’s really strong. He’s born to be strong. Some people are born with good speed, with good movement, with good something but he’s born a strong guy,” said Bivol.

He continued: “It’s not even about his punch, his body is strong. If you look at him, how he moves, how he’s wrestling when he’s in the clinch, you can see that he’s just strong. I just need to deal with this.”

Read More: Bivol vs. Canelo Rematch Looms as Hearn Eyes Mega Fight After Beterbiev Showdown

Bivol was then asked which opponent has hit him the hardest: “There’s different strong punchers like (Joe) Smith it’s just heavy, just slow, heavy, but it’s hurting, with Pascal, he’s more explosive and sharp.”

“I’m trying to think that he will be in the best shape because it’s respect to the opponent,” said the Tokmak resident.

Canelo Rematch

When asked if he was open to a rematch against Canelo, Bivol said: “We didn’t talk with him at all about a rematch. We didn’t have any conversation. He didn’t have any conversations with our team, but he was talking about it and now it’s the same.”

He continued: “For the Canelo, I am open for everybody who wants to make big fights. I was open before and I will be open after.”

October 12

Rafael asked Bivol how he sees the fight going on October 12: “In my head, there’s a lot of different scenarios. That which you said, he could knock me out or I could outbox him. Everything could happen, this is boxing,” said Bivol.

He added: “The main thing is that I have to be the best version of Dmitry Bivol.”