Bivol’s rematch strategy: “I’ll get better” against Beterbiev

Dmitry Bivol says he is already planning what to do to avenge his loss to undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) fought a close fight against Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs), losing a 12-round majority decision on October 12th.

Bivol let victory slip through his fingers in the second half of that match by moving too much and holding instead of throwing. Beterbiev’s pressure and power were too much. The scores were 115-113, 116-112 for Beterbiev and 114-113 for Bivol.

To have a chance to win the rematch, Bivol needs to be more aggressive and not run like he did last time. The image of Beterbiev chasing him around the ring gave the impression that he was trying to survive and was not interested in winning the traditional way. Bivol tried to get a cheap win, and the judges didn’t go for it.

Changes to the rematch

“Of course I want to change something. I want to work more. I want to work harder to get better,” Dmitry Bivol told Boxing news about his rematch against undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22.

“I just have to be better in all aspects. Move better, throw more punches, harder punches and everything better,” Bivol said of what he needs to do in his rematch against Beterbiev. “Just a strong heavy punch,” Dmitry said of Arthur’s power.

“I don’t have it, but once I get it, I’ll explain. It’s in my head this task of what I have to deal with,” Bivol said of the satisfaction he will have after avenging his loss to Beterbiev. “It’s not too hard. I like in life when you have this test, you feel more alive.”

It will be difficult for Bivol to be more aggressive in the rematch without being knocked out by Beterbiev. That fighting style is not what Bivol is built for, and at 34, he is not young enough to change his style.