Dmitry Bival has been working on his strength to improve and increase his strength for his rematch with undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22nd in Riyadh.

Two months ago, Beterbiev defeated Bival via a 12-round majority decision, but he's getting a second chance due to complaints from fans and Dmitri's promoters. There was no real debate. In short, Bivol's nerves failed him and he did not want to fight Beterbiev.

Beterbiev dominated and deserved the win by a score of 8-4. I watched the fight and it was 9-3 for Beterbiev.

score

115-113: Beterbiev
114-114
116-112: Beterbiev

Round two

Dmitri looked like one scared rabbit In previous fights, he was reluctant to fight wolf-like When Beterbiev pressed in the sixth round. It's hard to imagine the rematch any different than the first fight because Bivol lacks the chin, power and more importantly, guts to stand up to Beterbiev.

Dmitri talks about being more aggressive for the second bout, but when he gets in the ring with Beterbiev and artillery starts raining down on his position, Bivol's fears will resurface. He will then run around the ring like last time, much to the dismay of the fans. He has no desire to fight.

Former WBA 175-lb champion Bivol (23-1, 14 KOs) lacked his power game in his 12-round majority decision loss to Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) two months ago on October 12th. He needs to build himself up in this area to win the rematch.

Turki gave Al-Sheikh Bivol a chance to avenge his loss, but if he was beaten this time, his chances would be over. His promoters and loyal fans squawked about the loss Last October, believing he had done enough to win, he didn't.

Ideally, another opponent should have been allowed to challenge Beterbiev instead of going back with an unnecessary rematch. The boxing world would rather have David Benavidez, Joshua Buatsi or David Morrell face Beterbiev than give the defensive minded bivalve another shot.

Bivalve compatibility

The Beterbiev-Bivel fight was frustrating because of the defensive style Bivel brought to the fight, which involved him using a Shakur-esque three-foot step back, movement and clinching. Beterbiev spent the entire fight attacking and chasing Bivel like a rabbit around the ring.

Bivol, 34, escaped when Beterbiev began to press him in the second half of the contest. He showed he wanted no part of mixing it up with the undefeated Unified Champion.

All Bivol has to do to win the rematch

– Stay in the pocket: don't run
– Be brave
– More jabs
– Attacks on the body
– Limit movement

Bival is not 34 years old, and he cannot move for 12 straight rounds to avoid Beterbiev's attack. We saw that last time they fought, and Arthur's decision to run under pressure paid the price when he passed out.

Bivol is leveling up for the rematch 📈#BetterbievBivol2 | #Riyadh season | February 22, live on DAZN @turki_alalsikh

📸 @bivol_d pic.twitter.com/yjXFzgaHB7

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) December 31, 2024