Dmitry Bivol: ‘Artur Beterbiev is really dangerous. But October 12 will be my show’

Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev emphasize that their upcoming match is purely professional. In the final week before the bout, they have maintained a cool and composed demeanor.

Whether it's personal or not, this match is incredibly significant. Competing for complete dominance and all four major light-heavyweight world championships this Saturday, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office, represents the pinnacle of their careers.

This is the moment they have been striving for throughout their entire careers, and the significance is even greater because they have had a long-standing relationship for many years.

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Both athletes were part of the same Russian national amateur team, with Beterbiev being a powerful heavyweight while the younger Bivol was competing as a middleweight.

Bivol wasn’t the top pick for the 75kg category, whereas Beterbiev had already achieved success as a World Champion and was an Olympic athlete.

However, when it comes to whether Beterbiev has consistently believed he is the more powerful and dominant fighter, he remains tight-lipped about it.

He mentioned that while they were familiar with one another, they never actually conversed. "We did some practice sessions, but they didn't feel like genuine sparring," he explained about his history with Bivol.

"I had goals back then. Right now, all I'm focused on is my upcoming opponent," he shared with Sky Sports in anticipation of Saturday's Riyadh Season event.

"It doesn't mean I'm indifferent to the others. Right now, I only have one competitor to focus on, and that's my main priority. Back then, I had a lot of people around me as well."

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Bivol insists that he must keep personal feelings out of the equation. He recognizes that he has a job to fulfill.

"I see him as a rival in the championship scene. It doesn't really matter if it's Beterbiev or anyone else," the WBA champion shared with Sky Sports.

"It's just one opponent for me. Having four belts means something different. I will give it my all, and I'm optimistic that I will come out on top."

"Certainly, I’ll take great pleasure in securing those four belts, not just in defeating him. He’s a strong competitor with a perfect knockout rate, and I respect him as a fighter. It’s purely business and nothing personal."

In his initial days as an amateur, he couldn't help but admire the top boxers.

"I remember he was ranked number one, and I believe I was still a junior back then. Perhaps I was observing the national championship while he was competing," Bivol recalled.

"All of us—Juniors, Cadets—were eagerly watching because we knew our time there would come soon."

Back then, I never thought it would come to that—I couldn’t have envisioned myself competing for four titles and becoming the undisputed champion.

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Achieving this would mean everything. "I could demonstrate that I'm the greatest," Bivol remarked.

No one has been able to defeat Beterbiev, and no opponent has lasted the full fight with him.

Beterbiev, who holds the unified titles for WBC, WBO, and IBF, aims to continue his streak of knockouts. "We'll see," he remarked with a confident grin.

Bivol shared his thoughts: "Every time I'm about to step into the ring, I make it a point to consider my opponent as the toughest challenge I've ever faced, and he truly is."

"I find him quite risky, and to be honest, it actually makes me feel more thrilled."

The challenges you face, the enemies you encounter, and the level you are at all reflect your own skills and abilities.

"We'll find out," he remarked, mimicking his formidable competitor.

"My performance is scheduled for October 12."

Fabio Wardley's highly anticipated rematch against Frazer Clarke will take place on the impressive card featuring Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on Saturday, October 12, broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office. Secure your tickets for Wardley vs. Clarke 2 and the Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight today!