Dmitry Bivol said he felt no joy waiting for the result of the loss against Artur Beterbiev as when he defeated Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Dmitry Bivol, the former WBA light heavyweight champion, recently opened up about his feelings after losing to Artur Beterbiev in their October clash. As he prepares for their highly anticipated rematch, Bivol compared the emotions of waiting for the results of his loss to Beterbiev to the joy he felt after his victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in 2022.

Bivol’s Reflection on His Loss to Beterbiev

Bivol, now 23-1 in his professional career, has been in several high-stakes fights. Known for his tactical brilliance and stamina, the 34-year-old fighter has gone the distance in 11 of his victories, often prevailing by decision. However, his October loss to Artur Beterbiev marked a rare moment where he found himself on the losing end, with the judges favoring Beterbiev in a majority decision.

Reflecting on the experience, Bivol admitted that the wait for the judges’ scorecards was filled with uncertainty. “To be honest, it was similar to waiting after my fight with Canelo,” Bivol shared during a recent roundtable discussion. “You feel the emotions, not knowing what the outcome will be.”

The circumstances, however, were drastically different. Against Canelo Alvarez, Bivol felt confident about the decision, even before it was announced. “After the 12th round, I felt better,” Bivol noted. “I knew the decision would likely go in my favor.” In contrast, the Beterbiev fight left him with more doubt and less satisfaction.

The Road to Redemption

Bivol is determined to reclaim his standing in the light heavyweight division and avenge his loss to Beterbiev. Their rematch, scheduled for February 22 at the Riyadh Season’s The Last Crescendo, will be streamed live on DAZN Pay-Per-View. The fight represents an opportunity for Bivol to achieve what he couldn’t in their first encounter: become the undisputed champion in the division.

Much of Bivol’s preparation for this fight involves revisiting the lessons from their initial clash. With rounds of tactical exchanges to analyze, Bivol is focused on making adjustments that will give him an edge in the rematch. “It’s about learning from what happened and making sure I’m ready for whatever he brings,” Bivol explained.

Contrasting Emotions: Canelo vs. Beterbiev

Bivol’s victory over Canelo Alvarez remains one of the most significant moments of his career. The Mexican superstar moved up to light heavyweight in a bid to conquer another weight class but found himself outmatched by Bivol’s technical prowess. Unlike the fight with Beterbiev, Bivol described feeling a sense of control throughout the bout with Canelo.

“After the fight with Canelo, I felt better inside,” Bivol shared. “Even before my hand was raised, I knew it was my win.” The stakes were undeniably high, but Bivol’s confidence in his performance made the waiting process more bearable and, ultimately, rewarding.

What Lies Ahead for Bivol

As Bivol prepares for his second chance against Artur Beterbiev, the focus is on turning the lessons of the past into tools for future success. Despite the disappointment of his first professional loss, Bivol remains optimistic about his prospects in the rematch.

For boxing fans, this rematch represents the culmination of one of the division’s most intense rivalries. With the stakes higher than ever, both fighters are expected to bring their best to the ring, making this bout a can’t-miss event.

Conclusion

Dmitry Bivol’s reflections on his loss to Artur Beterbiev and his triumph over Canelo Alvarez provide insight into the highs and lows of a professional boxing career. While the loss to Beterbiev was a humbling experience, it has only fueled Bivol’s determination to improve and reclaim his status as one of the best in the light heavyweight division. As the rematch approaches, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.