In a press conference held in London, England, earlier today (April 15), the clash between Russian light-heavyweight boxers Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev was officially announced.
Bivol, with a record of 22 wins and no losses, including 11 knockouts, currently holds the WBA light-heavyweight championship. He is known for his technical skills and in his most recent fight in December, he defeated Lyndon Arthur by outpointing him over 12 rounds. On the other hand, Beterbiev, with a perfect record of 20 wins, all of which were knockouts, holds the WBC, IBF, and WBO versions of the light-heavyweight title. He is considered the more powerful puncher between the two. In his last match, Beterbiev displayed his dominance by breaking the resistance of Callum Smith, another British boxer, within seven rounds.
The highly anticipated showdown between Bivol, 33, and Beterbiev, 39, has been a topic of discussion for quite some time now. This clash is not only a perfect match for the light-heavyweight division, but also for the sport of boxing as a whole. It was evident from the moment these two Russian fighters became world champions that they were destined to face each other in the ring. However, the wait for this fight to materialize has been frustrating. Fortunately, thanks to the immense resources and influence of Turki Al-Alshaikh, the bout between Bivol and Beterbiev is finally set to take place on June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Bivol expressed, “Not only am I thrilled about this fight, but it’s also a treat for boxing enthusiasts. People who admire the sport often inquire, ‘When will you face Beterbiev? When will this match happen?’ Thanks to Saudi Arabia, this fight is now a reality. I am grateful.”
Naturally, I am filled with joy as I had always envisioned becoming the undisputed champion when I committed myself to a professional boxing career. Every obstacle I encountered along the way was a stepping stone towards this ultimate goal. Even my match against Canelo Alvarez served as a gateway to more significant battles, and now I am delighted to announce my upcoming fight on June 1st, where I will have the opportunity to compete for all the championship belts.
Whenever I find myself in training camp, I can’t help but perceive my opponent as the most formidable fighter in existence. This mindset serves as a catalyst for my concentration and dedication during the training period. Undoubtedly, Beterbiev is amongst the most menacing adversaries out there. With a glance at his record and witnessing his fights, his tremendous power only fuels my enthusiasm to compete against him. Challenges truly invigorate me, and this upcoming bout represents an immense trial that I eagerly embrace.
“I possess excellent skills and have unwavering confidence in them. My passion for this sport drives me, and I am convinced that my experience will be advantageous. The combination of my mindset, abilities, and training camp reinforces my belief in myself.”
Beterbiev, known for his reserved nature and proactive approach, expressed, “I prefer actions over words. As I pursue my quest for belts, I am in need of just one more. I shall diligently prepare for this upcoming fight, ensuring that I am fully ready and giving it my all.”
