Dmitry Bivol compares Artur Beterbiev and Canelo Álvarez
In a recent interview, renowned light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol shared valuable insights into how emotions and technical differences play a significant role in boxing, particularly when comparing his experiences facing Artur Beterbiev and Canelo Álvarez.
Bivol emphasized the importance of managing emotions in the ring, explaining that many fighters who faced Canelo allowed their emotions to affect their performance. "A lot depends on your emotions," Bivol stated. He believes that unchecked emotions can prevent boxers from reaching their full potential, and it's crucial to maintain control to execute strategies effectively.
Discussing his much-anticipated matchup against Artur Beterbiev, Bivol acknowledged the aura surrounding Beterbiev, who is often described as a "monster" in the ring. However, Bivol felt excitement rather than intimidation when preparing for the challenge. "I was excited; I was trying to use the right emotions about it," he remarked, confident in his ability to handle the pressure.
When it came to Beterbiev’s punching power, Bivol explained that Beterbiev’s strength lies not in a single knockout blow, but in the consistent power of his combinations. "It's not just one punch; he’s trying to throw combinations. Every punch in the combination is heavy," Bivol noted. This differs from Canelo, who focuses on landing powerful single punches from a distance. According to Bivol, while Canelo may have a harder single punch, Beterbiev is more relentless in his attacks, delivering hard blows with every punch in a combination.
Bivol further contrasted the two champions, noting that while Beterbiev's compact and aggressive style ensures every punch is strong, Canelo's power is more concentrated in individual punches. "Maybe Canelo’s single punch is harder sometimes than Beterbiev’s," Bivol observed, but he added that Beterbiev is physically bigger and naturally strong.
Bivol also reflected on weight divisions, acknowledging that while Canelo is considered a “small 168,” his strength is still remarkable. Bivol's admiration for both fighters is clear, as he highlights their different but equally dangerous approaches inside the ring.
As for his own approach, Bivol draws inspiration from legendary boxers such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali, adopting a technical and intelligent fighting style over raw power. This blend of mental discipline, technical skill, and ability to manage emotions is what has made Dmitry Bivol one of the most respected figures in modern boxing.
Bivol’s comparisons between Beterbiev and Canelo offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a champion, underscoring the differences in strategy and power between two of the sport’s biggest names.
Source: Dmitry Bivol's interview analysis
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