Beterbiev’s Mountain Cycling Fuels Optimism For Bivol Fight On October 12th

Unified light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev was surprisingly recognized by one of his fans while cycling through the barren Siberian mountains, training for his rescheduled October 12th undisputed 175-pound championship against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol.

Road to Recovery

It’s a good sign that IBF/WBC/WBO champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) can train hard, given that he suffered a ruptured meniscus on May 3rd, which resulted in his June 1st fight against Bivol being postponed until October 12th.

Beterbiev training in the steep mountains of Siberia will put demands on the champion’s knee. Still, it’ll strengthen it and increase his cardio for his upcoming fight against Bivol in October.

Beterbiev will likely need to use pressure and foot movement in that fight to deal with Bivol’s in-and-out attacking style. This opponent willn’t stand right in front of Beterbiev as Callum Smith did last January. Bivol is a mover and won’t make it easy.

One of Artur Beterbiev’s biggest supporters noticed the Russian Light Heavyweight champion cycling up the bear infested steep Siberian mountains. Beterbiev fights Bivol on October 12th. pic.twitter.com/HOkWc4yvWi

— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) July 11, 2024

Some boxing fans have questioned whether the 39-year-old Beterbiev’s injured knee will be ready for him to fight on October 12th because that’s a fast return to action after that type of injury.

Bivol vs. Beterbiev is a clash between two undefeated light heavyweight champions, which proves who the #1 fighter is in the division. An immediate rematch between them could happen, and the winner of that contest could defend against WBC mandatory David Benavidez.

Bivol is known for his technical fighting style, but he is also powerful when he goes on an attack. However, he tends to back off when he deals with pressure and doesn’t like to get involved in exchanges.

Bivol appeared to be hurt by a headshot in the eighth round of his fight against British fighter Lyndon Arthur last December. After that, Bivol fought defensively for the remainder of the fight, rarely mixing it up and looking timid. If Bivol fights similarly, Beterbiev may have to chase him around the ring all night, and fans will be disappointed.