Dmitry Bivol is working hard to improve and increase his strength in his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh.
Two months ago, Beterbiev defeated Bivol by a 12-round majority decision, but he is getting a second chance due to complaints from Dmitry’s fans and promoters. There was no real debate. To summarize, Bivol was exhausted, and he did not want to fight Beterbiev.
Beterbiev was in control and deserved to win 8-4. I watched the fight and had 9-3 for Beterbiev.
Points
115-113: Beterbiev
114-114
116-112: Beterbiev
Round Two
Dmitry looked like the rabbit is scared in the previous war and he was not willing to fight like a wolf Beterbiev when pressed in the sixth round. It’s hard to imagine the rematch being any different than the first fight because Bivol doesn’t have the chin, strength, and, most importantly, courage to stand up to Beterbiev.
Dmitry talks about wanting to be aggressive in the second round, but when he steps into the ring with Beterbiev and the weapons start raining down on him, Bivol’s fears will resurface. He will then run around the ring like he used to, making the fans look bored. He doesn’t have the heart to fight.
Former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 14 KOs) fell short of his power game in his 12-round decision loss to Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) two months ago on October 12. He will have to build on this position if he is to have a chance to win the rematch.
Turki Al-Shiekh gave Bivol a chance to avenge his defeat, but if he is beaten this time, he will be out of chances. His promoters and loyal followers he was upset about the loss last October, believing he had done enough to win, but he didn’t.
Ideally, another opponent should have been allowed to challenge Beterbiev instead of turning it back in an unnecessary rematch. The boxing world would have preferred David Benavidez, Joshua Buatsi or David Morrell to face Beterbiev rather than the defensive-minded Bivol getting another shot.
Preparation of Bivol
The Beterbiev-Bivol fight was boring because of the defensive style Bivol brought to the fight, which involved him using a Shakur-esque foot-step back, movement, and clinching. Beterbiev spent the entire fight attacking and chasing Bivol like a rabbit in the ring.
Bivol, 34, ran away when Beterbiev began to press him in the second half of the contest. He has shown that he wants no part of mixing it up with the undefeated unified champion.
What Bivol Must Do To Win The Rematch
– Stay in the pack: Don’t run
– Be brave
– Jab more
– Attack the body
– Limit movement
Bivol is not young at 34, and he can’t go 12 continuous rounds to avoid attacks from Beterbiev. We saw that the last time they fought, it cost him when he let out a breath because of his decision to run when he was pressured by Artur.
Bivol rises to the repeat level 📈#BeterbievBivol2 | #RiyadhSeason | Feb 22, live on DAZN | @Turki_alalshikh
📸 @bivol_d pic.twitter.com/yjXFzgaHB7
– DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 31, 2024
