No Excuses
Dmitry Bivol, the former WBA light heavyweight champion, has taken full responsibility for his loss to Artur Beterbiev last October. In a 12-round majority decision, Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) emerged victorious, and Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) is determined to rectify his mistakes in their upcoming rematch. While it’s easy to make excuses, Bivol refuses to do so. He acknowledges that he didn’t perform to the best of his abilities and is focused on making the necessary adjustments to ensure a different outcome. "It was my fault. I didn’t do many things I could do. He could be better," Bivol candidly admitted to Queensberry when asked about the loss. This humility and self-reflection highlight his commitment to self-improvement rather than deflecting blame.
Preparing for the Rematch
Beterbiev-Bivol II is set to headline a star-studded card on February 22nd at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, live on DAZN PPV. Bivol is fully aware that the task ahead is formidable, but he is more motivated than ever. He acknowledges that he fell short in the first fight, particularly after the sixth round, when he noticeably ran out of steam. "When I finish my career, I will maybe watch this fight, counting rounds and punches. Now, I don’t want it. It won’t help me as a fighter," he stated, emphasizing his focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. Bivol is committed to working harder, faster, and taking more calculated risks. He believes that small, incremental improvements in every aspect of his game can make a significant difference.
A Loaded Card
The Beterbiev-Bivol rematch is just one of many exciting bouts on the card. Fans are particularly eager to see Vergil Ortiz Jr. face Israil Madrimov, a matchup that has been tagged as the top must-see fight. Shakur Stevenson taking on Floyd Schofield also promises to be a thrilling contest with an upset potential. Other notable bouts include Zhilei Zhang against Agit Kabayel, Daniel Dubois versus Joseph Parker, and Carlos Adames facing Hamzah Sheeraz. Each fight adds to the anticipation and excitement of the evening, making it a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts.
The Road to Improvement
Bivol is a professional who understands the importance of continuous improvement. He knows that boxing is a sport where emotions can often cloud judgment and performance. "Boxing is not a field where you should use your emotions. It’s important for me to prove that I can win this fight that I could be better," he emphasized. Bivol’s approach is pragmatic and focused, shunning the typical trash-talking that often accompanies high-profile bouts. "We don’t respect trash-talking. It doesn’t make you better. It makes you less," he explained. This mindset not only sets him apart from his peers but also underscores his dedication to the sport and his respect for his opponents.
A Test of Resilience
The journey to the rematch has been one of reflection and rigorous preparation. Bivol has been working tirelessly to address the issues that cost him the first fight. He recognizes that his performance waned after the midway point, and he is determined to maintain his energy and focus throughout the entire 12 rounds. "I have to work harder, faster, and maybe take some more risks. Everything be better," Bivol stated with a mixture of resolve and optimism. His dedication to self-improvement and his willingness to take risks for the betterment of his performance are commendable qualities that fans and fellow athletes can appreciate.
Looking Forward
As the fight night approaches, the atmosphere is electric. Bivol is ready to step into the ring with a renewed sense of purpose. He is not just fighting for his own reputation but also to prove to the world that he can overcome his past mistakes. The eyes of the boxing world will be on him, and he is more than ready to meet the challenge. "When I finish my career, I will maybe watch this fight, counting rounds and punches. Now, I don’t want it. It won’t help me as a fighter," Bivol’s words serve as a poignant reminder of his dedication and the road ahead. Whether he wins or loses, his journey of self-improvement and resilience is one that will be remembered.
