‘I must change enough to beat Dmitry Bivol’

Artur Beterbiev believes that he must only make slight changes in his rematch with Dmitry Bivol on February 22 in Saudi Arabia.

Beterbiev and Bivol competed in a high-class contest last October out in Saudi Arabia, with both men showing why they are the two leading men at 175 pounds. Beterbiev was the man who had his hand raised at the end of 12 highly competitive rounds and crowned undisputed light heavyweight champion.

The decision was contested by many ringside and at home who believed Bivol was the rightful winner. Now the pair will run their encounter back.

“Even though someone says it’s a close fight or something, I feel I won this fight,” said Beterbiev on the decision. “First fight is the first fight, but the second one we’re going to see what’s going to happen there.

“I would think we can change some things, some different things. We need to change enough for a win, you know.”

Bivol became the first man to take Beterbiev the distance in their first contest. Bivol was able to use his footwork to navigate the oncoming storm that the rest of Beterbiev’s opponents had folded under.

“He did not surprise me, but he did a good job,” he said of Bivol’s performance.

Beterbiev was asked if he plans on increasing the pressure on Bivol this time to force a stoppage. He responded: “We’ll see. I don’t know. I can’t say that.”

After spending 12 hard rounds together many fighters find a certain respect and friendship earned through battle. Beterbiev revealed this is not the case for him and Bivol.

“No relationship. He’s still my opponent,” he said. “If he’s not the opponent, he’s not, but now he’s still the opponent, you know.”

Beterbiev had little to say on a fight with IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, but said, when asked what he has left to achieve in the sport, “Can you ask me after the fight?”