Dmitry Bivol, the light heavyweight contender, recently shared his thoughts on the punching power of Artur Beterbiev, the unified champion. In their first encounter on October 12th last year in Riyadh, Bivol discovered that Beterbiev’s strength was not as formidable as he had anticipated. The rematch is set for this Saturday, February 22nd, in Riyadh, broadcast live on DAZN PPV. Bivol acknowledges that while Beterbiev possesses considerable striking force, it did not match the superhero-like expectations he had built up before the fight. Bivol also noted that despite Beterbiev’s power, there are other fighters at 175 pounds who pack a heavier punch.

During their initial bout, Beterbiev exhibited caution in the early rounds, treating Bivol with respect akin to facing a knockout specialist. However, once Beterbiev grew more confident, he unleashed relentless attacks that put Bivol on the defensive from the sixth round onward. This shift led to Bivol losing a majority decision after twelve grueling rounds. The boxer admitted that Beterbiev’s approach changed dramatically once he overcame his initial apprehension.

Bivol’s left eye, still visibly damaged from their previous encounter, remains a concern for the upcoming rematch. Observers speculate that if Beterbiev targets this area early, it could become a significant issue for Bivol. Despite this, Bivol remains focused on improving his performance without altering his fundamental style or technique. He believes that both fighters will likely adhere to their established approaches, making the rematch a test of endurance and adaptation rather than a drastic change in tactics.

In preparation for the rematch, Bivol has adopted a pragmatic mindset. He now views Beterbiev as a formidable but human opponent, rather than an invincible force. This shift in perspective may influence how Bivol approaches the fight, aiming to capitalize on any weaknesses he identified during their first meeting. With the eyes of the boxing world on them once again, both fighters are gearing up for what promises to be another intense contest.