The rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol is just around the corner, set to take place on February 22, four months after their initial showdown. Their first meeting was a closely contested affair, with Artur Beterbiev emerging victorious via a controversial decision. The judges’ scores were 114-111, 115-113, and 116-112, crowning him the new undisputed champion and handing Bivol his first professional defeat.
Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in the boxing world, announced in December that the two fighters would face off again in a highly anticipated rematch. The rest of the card is also shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Beterbiev, known as “The Czech Beast,” has been a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world, remaining unbeaten in 21 professional fights, with all but one of his victories coming by way of knockout. After his win over Bivol, he expressed disappointment with his performance, stating, “I didn’t do it well, I didn’t like this fight.” This sentiment likely stems from his inability to knock out his opponent, a rare occurrence in his career.
The Russian native’s fighting style is characterized by constant pressure, wearing down his opponents with relentless attacks. However, Bivol was able to withstand this onslaught, marking the first time Beterbiev had not scored a knockout in his professional career. This unique combination of stamina and overwhelming power makes Beterbiev a formidable opponent.
Hailing from one of Russia’s most tumultuous regions, Beterbiev was introduced to the world of boxing by his four brothers, all of whom were involved in the sport. His intelligence and forcefulness are the hallmarks of a fighter who has risen to the top of his craft.
Here are the key facts about Artur Beterbiev:
– Name: Artur Asilbekovich Beterbiev
– Age: 40
– Nationality: Russian nationalized Canadian
– Height: 1.86m
– Record: 21-0-0 (20 KO)
– Dominant hand: Right
– Last fight: Victory over Dmitry Bivol on October 12
– Division: Light heavyweight
On the other side of the ring, Bivol is looking to reclaim his title and avenge his only professional loss. At 34, he is six years younger than his opponent and has lost only once in 23 fights, with 12 of his victories coming by way of knockout. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Bivol revealed that he reads psychology books to understand the minds of his opponents, showcasing his cerebral approach to the sport.
Bivol’s style is defined by his ability to control the pace of the fight while maintaining a calm and collected demeanor. This was on full display in his first encounter with Beterbiev, where he connected on fewer blows but made each one count. His technique and discipline are a testament to his dedication to his craft.
Here are the key facts about Dmitry Bivol:
– Name: Dmitry Yuryevich Bivol
– Age: 34
– Nationality: Russian
– Height: 1.83m
– Record: 23-1-0 (12 KO)
– Dominant hand: Right
– Last fight: Defeat to Artur Beterbiev on October 12
– Division: Light heavyweight
With the stage set for their highly anticipated rematch, it’s impossible to predict a clear winner. The question on everyone’s mind is: what will happen when these two boxing titans face off again?