Dmitry Bivol has admitted Artur Beterbiev’s power felt exactly as he predicted.
Bivol was the first one to tame the champion with ferocious fists, but unfortunately was on the wrong end of a points decision as Beterbiev was crowned undisputed champion in October.
3
Beterbiev carried a formidable 100 per cent KO ratio before facing Bivol.
And the Russian was the first man to hear the final bell after stepping in the ring with the feared power-puncher.
It is a well known fact that Beterbiev is one of the leading knockout-artists in the sport pound-for-pound.
But Bivol surprisingly insisted it was exactly what he had prepared for beforehand.
“It was exactly how I was expecting,” Bivol said during a DAZN breakdown of their first fight.
“I was expecting that it would be hard and heavy. But the jab is a nice punch.
“It can help you control the distance and you can just destroy his attack with it.”
When having described the power previously, he added: “Of course. He’s powerful. Very powerful.
“You can see I have a bruise from my hand.
“He always hit it and it was so hard [it bruised when my own hand] hit my eye.”
3
Bivol clearly felt the power of his rival, which is the main attribute that has carried the sensational Beterbiev throughout his 22 fight undefeated career.
Not only does he sit down on his punches and show rivals the canvas, he also is an elite-level boxer and is able to control his power while taking charge of the exchanges.
Beterbiev was unable to drop his fellow champion in a unique clash of styles, with Bivol’s elite defence, speed and boxing IQ keeping him out of harms way.
But this time out in their rematch this weekend, the undisputed king may look to win the fight by stoppage, as a real statement to potentially conclude his time at light-heavyweight.
Despite his determination, he will once again face his toughest challenge in Bivol, who knows what changes he needs to make to get his revenge.
He said: “I won, I lost, it doesn’t matter. I’m just not happy that it’s a close fight.
3
“If I do my job much more better, then there will be no doubts and excuses for me or for anybody else.
“I will win this fight and without questions. It could be a knockout. It could be by decision, by judges, and just more confident.
“Of course, I know more about him now. He knows about me more now.
“He could be more aggressive. he could be more forward. He could throw more punches.
“I have to gain punches in the ring. I have to throw more punches. I just have to be better.”