Dmitry Bivol is out for revenge this weekend after suffering a first defeat of his professional career.
Artur Beterbiev was victorious in their first encounter, however, many felt that Beterbiev vs Bivol was a robbery based on the judges’ results.
Plenty of eyes will be on the bout as the two do battle in Beterbiev vs Bivol 2 on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that will surely settle things once and for all.
With Beterbiev one of the best light heavyweights of all time, Bivol will hope to upset the odds once more after he did so back in 2022 when he beat Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
Dmitry Bivol shocked world with light heavyweight title win vs Canelo Alvarez
The scene was set in May 2022 as Canelo made the step up to light heavyweight to take on Dmitry Bivol for the WBA title.
Canelo had only lost to Floyd Mayweather whereas Bivol was 19 from 19 and his previous experience in the division ultimately showed as he bettered the four-weight world champion.
Bivol won by unanimous decision with all three judges’ scoring it 115-113 in his favor.
It was considered a huge coup with many considering Canelo to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time.
Victory was a huge statement for the Kyrgyzstani-born Russian, who felt like he proved himself against a difficult opponent.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m glad I proved myself today, I’m the best in my division and I keep this belt.
“He’s a great champion, I respect him and all his team.
“If you don’t believe in yourself what do you do? You achieve nothing. I believe and my team believed in me.”
Will we see Canelo vs Bivol 2?
Canelo has never been shy of talking up the possibility of running it back against Bivol but, for now, it doesn’t seem like it’ll be happening anytime soon.
Terence Crawford seems like the more likely opponent for the Mexican but one person who hasn’t ruled out a future rematch is Eddie Hearn.
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The Matchroom Boxing man is eager for Bivol to face Canelo for the undisputed light heavyweight championship, so long as he beats Beterbiev.
Hearn told Boxing News: “If Dmitry Bivol beats Artur Beterbiev, we have the opportunity to do Dmitry Bivol against Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed light heavyweight world championship.
“If Dmitry were to lose, he could drop down to 168 to challenge Canelo Alvarez, which he’s capable of doing. So, obviously, we want to see Dmitry win this fight, and if Canelo wants it, I would love to make that happen.”