Had it been the ’70s or ’80s, most boxing fans, especially those not attending the pre-fight events in person, would have had to content themselves with face-offs and the mundane pressers. But that era has passed. Today the internet and social media have transformed the landscape. In addition to the routine, fans enjoy access to a wide range of shows and programs leading up to the big fight. One of the most popular features is training footage. Given the hype surrounding the Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol fight, many followers find themselves glued to the screen watching training videos of both champions.

After all, it’s one of those rare fights where both the belligerents stand are equally matched. It’s a classic showdown of styles—a boxer facing a fighter. So it often helps the curious to understand how their favorite comes off the training camp. Bivol’s training footage has already garnered considerable attention. But it’s the opponent’s videos, particularly one, that have become the subject of widespread discussion. Is it anything extraordinary—nothing of that sort? It’s not even close to push-ups. But yet so special that even other boxing superstars seemed to be lining up to incorporate the exercise into their regimen.

Artur Beterbiev reveals the reason behind his unique push-ups

Ultimately, boxing is a sport that demands dexterous use of hands. To achieve a level of skill, the sport demands proper conditioning. Especially hands that can attack as well as withstand punishment. A boxer has to invest considerable time to improve overall strength. There are several methods, weight training obviously being one of the favorites. But as Artur Beterbiev displayed, it’s possible to steel up your hands. In particular, the wrists and fingers, which are often considered the weakest link of the weapon—without lifting any weights.

Clips feature Beterbiev in a push-up position. Then he hammers his hands in sequences involving fists, wrists, and fingers. No wonder the shots have seemingly avowed millions of viewers. In fact, many feel that it could be the secret behind his devastating punches that pummeled all of his top 20 opponents. Will Dmitry Bivol be an exception?

A rough translation of an interview where Artur Beterbiev explains in the beginning the reasons behind the ‘iron fist’ exercise might shed some light on the reasons behind the drill. He said, “The structure of the blow is how you hit, like this and strengthening all positions.”

At the media workout of the Bivol fight, the sheer expertise with which Beterbiev executed the whole sequence left scores of followers flabbergasted. In a press-up position, he would put his upper body weight on his wrists. Then, exploding up, he would switch over from a clinched first to the back of his hand and then jump over on his fingers. He did a handstand on his forearms as well!

The sheer display of Beterbiev’s athletic prowess captivated Ade Oladipo. The DAZN presenter said, “Honestly, one of the craziest workouts I’ve ever seen.”

Another boxing star wants to use Beterbiev’s wrist exercises.

If Artur Beterbiev’s ‘Iron First’ stunned fans, what could be the situation of boxers and champions? One of the loudest voices vouching for integrating Beterbiev’s wrist strengthening appears to be that of Shakur Stevenson. The light-weight champion was supposed to fight Joe Cordina on the Beterbiev-Bivol undercard. However, the fight met with cancellation as reports of Stevenson suffering hand injuries emerged.

Coming across Artur Beterbiev’s workout clips, he couldn’t resist himself from posting, “I’m [going to] learn how to do that sh*t!” Given his reported interest in clashing against heavy-hitter William Zepeda, improving his hand strength could be a smart move, perhaps.

What do you feel? If Artur Beterbiev scores a win against Dmitry Bivol, then should he consider retirement or chase another high-profile matchup?