From ‘IV Crown’ to ‘The Last Crescendo’. In just four months, the boxing world is witnessing a dramatic evolution. On October 12, Artur Beterbiev secured the light heavyweight undisputed title in a tightly contested bout against Dmitry Bivol. Despite being the slight favorite, Bivol fell short, losing by a majority decision. Now, the stage is set for an electrifying rematch in Riyadh.

Many deem the tentative Riyadh Season card of February 22 as perhaps one of the best of recent times. The rematch between the two light heavyweights is slated to headline the event. Fans and analysts have already started speculating about the outcome. The lead-up to their last showdown was marked by an interesting narrative. Many fans and experts felt that if the fight ended in an early stoppage, Artur Beterbiev would emerge victorious. However, if the bout went the distance, Bivol was expected to take control. Now as he prepares himself to even the score, Bivol, it seems, will have to undergo a square-up against a popular notion as well. However, the Kyrgyz warrior, who will turn 34 in ten days, remains optimistic about a turnaround.

Dmitry Bivol: On the road to redemption

“Of course it’s not a nice feeling when you didn’t win the fight,” responded Bivol with his trademark smile. Boxing Social’s Louis Hart had asked whether it was tough to recover from the disappointment, given that, like many, he also felt that he had won the match. Bivol explained that many times, things don’t go in one’s favor. At that time, what is important to consider is that it is not ‘what happened’ that is more important. “It’s about how we’re reacting to it. how we’re accepting it. And the faster we accept something, the better we will recover,” he added.

The reporter asked Bivol if, after having been in the ring with Artur Beterbiev, who until their fight was the only world champion with a 100% KO record, he now believes he has the capability and opportunity to reverse the dynamic and knock out the Canadian-Russian champion during their rematch.

Dmitry Bivol had to take a translator’s help to understand the query. He replied, “Before also I felt that I had enough power, of course, because, uh, it’s boxing, you know, sometimes, uh, we have one saying, you know, even the stick once a year could, uh, shoot, yeah.”

Stakes ahead of the high-pressure rematch

Before the October 12 match, when asked, most fans and pundits suggested that if it’s an early stoppage/KO, then it will be Artur Beterbiev who will take away the four belts. In his decade-old career, he has established a formidable reputation as one of boxing’s heaviest hitters. However, if the fight went the distance, it would swing in Dmitry Bivol’s way.

The hypothesis likely stemmed from Bivol’s mastery of boxing fundamentals and techniques, reflected in his near 50% knockout-to-win ratio. However, many fans believe that in the upcoming rematch, Beterbiev may avoid leaving the outcome to the judges. As a result, the fight could feature a volatile exchange, potentially leading to an early stoppage. Reports suggest Beterbiev is making adjustments in his preparation for the rematch, and it will be crucial for Dmitry Bivol to do the same to avoid being caught off guard.

What about you? Do you think Bivol can turn the tables and avenge his first career loss from February 22?