Dmitry Bivol: Beating Artur Beterbiev to become undisputed 175lb champion will make my life sacrifices worthwhile
Published 25/09/2024 at 19:46 GMT+1
Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev meet in an undisputed world title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 12, live on TNT Sports Box Office. Bivol holds the WBA title in the light heavyweight division, with Beterbiev the current owner of the WBC, WBO and IBF belts. They were originally scheduled to fight in June but a knee injury to Beterbiev saw the bout postponed.
Highlights: Bivol defends light heavyweight title against plucky Zinad
Video credit: TNT Sports
Dmitry Bivol says beating Artur Beterbiev in their undisputed world title fight would be the “final step” for him to achieve the boxing goals he set himself as a child.
The two best light heavyweight fighters in the world will meet on October 12 in Saudi Arabia, live on TNT Sports Box Office.
Beterbiev is the unified WBC, WBO and IBF world champion, while Bivol holds the WBA belt and is desperate to take hold of all four titles.
“I wanted the undisputed fight, first, and I wanted to fight against the best boxers in the light heavyweight division,” Bivol said during a pre-fight press conference. “This is my goal to make my name. He has these belts.”
Both fighters have an unblemished professional record but, if one of them is to go undisputed, that will come to an end in Riyadh.
“This is my goal when I came to pro boxing, to be the best in the light heavyweight division and this is the final fight to prove myself,” Bivol said.
“I’ve been in boxing since I was six years old. I sacrificed so much in my life. This is the final step. Did I do everything right or not? I want to make it that I did everything right.”
The pair were initially scheduled to get it on in June, but a knee injury to Beterbiev saw the fight postponed.
Bivol instead faced Malik Zinad and defended his title with a sixth-round stoppage. Beterbiev required surgery to fix his torn meniscus and when asked if he is fit and ready to take on Bivol, he responded with: “Yes, 100%”.
The unified champion knows he is one win away from acquiring the full set of belts, but he is keeping quiet about how he plans to beat Bivol.
On whether he will be aiming for a knockout, Beterbiev said: ”I never make predictions, but I never [try] to knock out someone.
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Highlights: Bivol cruises to win over Arthur
Video credit: TNT Sports
“It happens. I'm always focused on different details to do good things. For me, good things.”
Aside from the main event, there will be an intriguing undercard in Riyadh with British heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke renewing their rivalry after their last title showdown ended in a draw.
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Chris Eubank Jr. will return to action against Kamil Szeremeta and Ben Whittaker goes up against Liam Cameron.
“I’ve been off a year and this is a solid opponent,” Eubank Jr. said. “He’s only lost to two world champions, he’s the perfect fight for me to get back.
“Now I have to get the ring rust off and go and knock out all the big names in the next 12 months.“
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