In a recent interview, Dmitry Bivol shared his thoughts and emotions following his fight with Artur Beterbiev. Bivol, a rising star in the boxing world, expressed satisfaction with his performance while acknowledging areas for improvement.
Post-Fight Emotions and Future Plans
After the bout, Bivol reflected on the grueling training camp that led to this moment. “I feel good now. I slept well. I went through a hard training camp, and now I’m just thinking about my future,” he stated. He expressed hope that his promoter, “His Excellency,” would have plans for him, whether it be a rematch or something else.
The Fight Experience
Regarding the fight itself, Bivol described it as a good experience, highlighting the danger posed by Beterbiev, known for his powerful punching. “I feel like I did some good performance, but I could be much better. I have some thoughts about where I can improve more,” he shared. When asked about specific areas for improvement, Bivol identified his movement and counter-punching as key aspects. “I didn’t move enough; I felt I had to move more and counter-punch more,” he explained.
Facing a Fearsome Opponent
Bivol’s comments shed light on his perception of Beterbiev as a formidable opponent. He acknowledged the hype surrounding Beterbiev as a “monster” in the ring, but he approached the fight with excitement rather than fear. “I was excited because I could deal with him. It’s exciting to fight against someone who is considered a monster,” he remarked.
When discussing the impact of Beterbiev’s punches, Bivol described his experience in the ring. “When he landed a good punch, I thought, ‘Yeah, hard punch, nothing else.’ He has a heavy punch, and it’s very dangerous,” he noted. However, he emphasized that Beterbiev’s strength lies not only in single punches but also in his ability to deliver powerful combinations.
Bivol compared Beterbiev’s punching style to that of Canelo Alvarez, highlighting their differences. “Canelo puts all his energy into a single punch, and sometimes that punch is harder than Beterbiev’s. But Beterbiev delivers heavy punches in combinations,” he elaborated.
Tactical Approaches in the Ring
Throughout the fight, Bivol employed a strategy reminiscent of legendary boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali. He aimed to keep moving and avoid standing directly in front of Beterbiev. “My favorite fighter is Sugar Ray Leonard. My plan was to move a lot, just like Leonard did in his fights,” he explained, referencing the famous Leonard-Hagler bout.
Bivol acknowledged that boxing is not simply about brute strength. He shared a principle often discussed in boxing gyms in Russia: if your opponent is a fighter, you should box with him; if he is a boxer, you should fight him. “You have to accept that he is stronger, but this is boxing. You can move and use your speed against him,” Bivol stated.
Rounding Out the Fight
As the rounds progressed, Bivol was mindful of his performance. He felt he was landing good punches and managing Beterbiev’s pressure effectively. However, he was aware of the need to stay focused and not let Beterbiev’s pressure overwhelm him. “I felt that I had good episodes, and he had good episodes too, but I didn’t count how many episodes I did,” he mentioned.
Bivol’s self-awareness and analytical mindset are commendable traits for any athlete. He understands that boxing is not just about throwing punches but also about strategy, movement, and adapting to the opponent’s style.
Looking Ahead
In conclusion, Dmitry Bivol’s reflections on his fight with Artur Beterbiev reveal a fighter who is not only focused on his performance but also keenly aware of the intricacies of boxing. His desire to improve and learn from this experience highlights his dedication to the sport. As fans eagerly await news of a potential rematch or future fights, Bivol’s commitment to growth promises exciting developments in his career.
With aspirations for the future and a clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, Dmitry Bivol stands poised for continued success in the boxing ring.
