With his highly anticipated rematch against Beterbiev just around the corner, scheduled for this Saturday, February 22, in Saudi Arabia, Bivol has been concentrating on his training in Türkiye alongside his team. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Bivol shared insights into his preparation and mindset, revealing what drives him to succeed in the ring.
The words “Undisputed” are emblazoned on the walls of his current training grounds, a constant reminder of his goal and a source of motivation for both him and his team. The first fight between Bivol and Beterbiev was a closely contested affair, with Beterbiev ultimately emerging victorious after 12 rounds. However, the decision was marred by controversy, with many believing that Bivol was the true winner. This time around, Bivol is seeking redemption.
Bivol is known for his calm demeanor, which has been a hallmark of his career. He attributes this to his interest in psychology, which he believes has helped him understand his thoughts and gain control over his mind. “I used to read psychology books to understand the mind,” Bivol confessed in the interview. “It helped me understand the thoughts I had during training and fights, and it’s something that suits me more now: having power over my thoughts.”
As he prepares for his upcoming fight, Bivol is aware of the importance of mental preparation. He recognizes that the years are passing, and he has learned to appreciate the sacrifices he has made to reach this point. “Over the years, I have learned to enjoy what I do,” he said, acknowledging the discipline and hard work that have brought him to where he is today.
This weekend, Bivol will face an opponent known for his knockout prowess, but the Russian boxer is not intimidated. His style, instilled in him by his father, is centered around defense and precision. As his coach, Gennady Mashianov, who has been by his side since he was 17, noted, “Best judges that can be more objective” are needed to ensure a fair outcome, a reference to the controversy surrounding the first fight.
With his characteristic calm and focus, Bivol is ready to put everything on the line in his pursuit of revenge. He will maintain his composure until the day of the fight, when he will give it his all and leave everything in the ring. The question on everyone’s mind is: will Bivol emerge victorious this time around, or will Beterbiev prove too formidable an opponent? Only time will tell.