Artur Beterbiev is gearing up for his highly anticipated rematch with Dmitry Bivol this weekend, an event that’s generating buzz as potentially the best fight card in recent history. Reflecting on their first encounter, where he emerged victorious, Beterbiev expresses his eagerness to not only defend his titles but also elevate his performance in this second showdown.
Does a second victory over Bivol match the satisfaction of becoming undisputed last time?
"When it comes to fighting, the feeling is quite similar. Back then, my goal was to unite all the belts, and now, it’s all about defending them."
How did your knee feel during the first fight?
"Leading up to that fight, it was a bit tight on time—just about four months, maybe three. It wasn’t ideal back then, but now, it’s way better. Almost perfect, actually."
Was Bivol your toughest opponent?
"If you look at it objectively, sure, it went to a decision, and you could call it my toughest fight. But it’s a bit more nuanced. Throughout my boxing journey, I’ve faced some incredibly strong opponents, each presenting their own challenges. Still, you wouldn’t be wrong in saying it was a tough match."
Why don’t you shake hands with opponents before a fight?
"It’s pretty straightforward. Think about it—when we’ve got a fight lined up for the next night, your goal is to beat me, to hit me as hard as you can. So really, why would I want to shake hands?"
