As fight night approaches, the anticipation builds for the light heavyweight clash between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev, set for this Saturday, October 12, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the press conference leading up to the event, both fighters appeared eager to let their performances in the ring do the talking. However, while Beterbiev stayed reserved, Bivol offered more insight into his mindset and preparation.
Speaking with confidence, Bivol reflected on the excitement he feels when facing strong opponents. He recalled past bouts with boxing stars like Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez, explaining how these challenges motivate him rather than cause anxiety. “When I face these champions, I don’t get nervous; I get excited,” Bivol stated. “Artur is a great champion, and he has what I want—those belts. But it’s more than just titles; it’s about measuring my skills against a fighter of his caliber.”
Bivol also shared a glimpse into his approach leading up to the fight, noting the detailed preparation and scenarios considered during training camp. He explained that imagining various outcomes and working through them in camp gives him confidence on fight night. “In my head, I’m always thinking about how it might go, and I train for every scenario. This helps me stay calm when I step into the ring,” he said, emphasizing his readiness for the unpredictable.
In contrast, Beterbiev, who holds an impressive record of 20-0 with 20 knockouts, remained characteristically tight-lipped during the press conference. His response to questions was brief, as he remarked, “We talk too much. I’m preparing for a good fight. We’ll see. Be ready.” Despite his quiet demeanor, his statement conveyed his intense focus on the task ahead.
Wrapping up, Bivol summed up what sets him apart from his opponent. “I’m just different,” he said. “I have a different name, a different body, and different skills. That’s what makes this fight so interesting—everyone is different.”
This clash between two undefeated champions, each with their own unique approach, promises to be a thrilling contest, free from the usual hype and loud promotions. In a sport often dominated by noise, their contrasting styles offer a refreshing take on what could be one of the year’s most intriguing fights.