Dmitry Bivol, the former WBA light heavyweight champion, has offered his insights into his past encounter with Artur Beterbiev. In their match on October 12th, Bivol faced relentless pressure from Beterbiev, which ultimately led to a loss. Bivol noted that Beterbiev's punches did not feel heavier than those of other fighters he had faced. Instead, it was the unyielding aggression and mental strain that overwhelmed him. This analysis sheds light on the differences in fighting styles between the two boxers and highlights Bivol’s aversion to taking hits, a trait that significantly influenced the outcome of their bout.

During the fight, Bivol found himself struggling under the continuous assault from Beterbiev. Despite Beterbiev's impressive record, Bivol observed that the champion does not heavily load his punches but focuses more on landing them accurately. This approach created a psychological impact rather than a physical one. Bivol, known for his reluctance to engage when under pressure, opted to evade rather than stand and trade blows. This tendency to avoid confrontation became evident in his previous fights as well, particularly against Lyndon Arthur, where he similarly retreated after being hit.

The comparison between Bivol and Beterbiev extends beyond just their physical abilities. Beterbiev's willingness to absorb punches to deliver his own contrasts sharply with Bivol’s preference for avoiding contact. This difference in mentality plays a crucial role in how each fighter approaches a bout. Beterbiev exhibits a warrior-like resilience, while Bivol tends to prioritize self-preservation over aggressive engagement. This mindset likely contributed to Bivol's decision to retreat during critical moments of the fight, leading to his eventual defeat.

In an interview with The Ring, Bivol elaborated on his experience with Beterbiev’s punches. He remarked that while they were certainly strong, they did not surpass the power of other notable opponents like Jean Pascal or Joe Smith. Bivol emphasized that Beterbiev’s technique lies in his ability to throw punches efficiently rather than relying on sheer force. This observation underscores the importance of mental fortitude in boxing, as Bivol’s struggle was more about overcoming psychological barriers than physical ones.

Beyond the physical aspects, Bivol’s reflections reveal a deeper issue regarding his mental toughness. The relentless pressure from Beterbiev not only affected him physically but also mentally broke him down. This vulnerability suggests that Bivol may face similar challenges in future encounters if he cannot adapt his strategy to handle such relentless aggression. The battle within the ring is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical prowess, and Bivol’s experience serves as a testament to this truth.