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Artur Beterbiev says his side have changed “a few things” with their game for their rematch against Dmitry Bivol on February 22. The changes to the undisputed light heavyweight champion Beterbiev’s (21-0, 20 KOs) team will involve applying more pressure and not allowing Bivol to escape when moving around the ring.
Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) won’t keep and change as he won’t last more than a few rounds against Beterbiev in their rematch in Riyadh. We saw that last time.
Adaptation for victory
In the only instance of the fight where Bivol stood his ground in the seventh round, Beterbiev clipped him and was stunned. This was the first and last time Bivol tried to negotiate the fight.
In the rematch, Bivol will use the Shakur-esque hit and run style he used in the first fight with Beterbiev, but will likely include a lot of hooking. When Bivol held on, it neutralized Artur’s offense and brought him under control. He would get close enough to throw his short punches. It’s boring to watch Bivol run and hold, but it’s his only path to victory.
Dmitry is not built. Bivol is not built to fight a powerhouse like Beterbiev and has no amateur background for this type of fighter. Bivol was a good amateur, but not at the level of two-time Olympian Beterbiev.
However, Beterbiev is a smart fighter, and in the past he has fought many fighters who have used excessive holding to shut down their offense. He will know what to do to deal with this tactic.
Tactical change
“My team, we’ve changed a few different things, but we can’t tell you. The second fight, we’ll see what happens there,” said Artur Beterbiev Professional boxing fansreacting to being told that Anthony Joshua has picked Dmitry Bivol to beat him in their February 22 rematch.
“Mentally, you have to be focused. Even if someone says it’s a close fight, I felt I won,” Beterbiev said of his previous matchup against Bivol on October 12 last year. We need enough changes to win. It didn’t surprise me, but he did a good job,” Artur said when asked if Dmitry did anything in the first fight that “surprised” him.
“I felt I won the fight. I didn’t see it (Beterbiev’s power getting to Bivol).
☝️ @bivol_d 👑#BetterbievBivol2 | February 22 | @DAZNBixing pic.twitter.com/CzQMuZsCMf
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 17, 2025
Beterbiev vs. Bivol face off for the second time in the historic event The Last Crescendo for the undisputed World Championship 🔥🥊
Riyadh 📍
February 22 🗓️Book your tickets now 👇https://t.co/8aQHpjE9Un#BigTime#Riyadh season pic.twitter.com/13ElUfG02F
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 16, 2025
