Dmitry Bivol: A Greater Challenge Awaits If He Defeats Beterbiev!

The Road to Redemption: Bivol vs. Beterbiev Rematch

Dmitry Bivol is gearing up for one of the most significant battles of his career as he prepares to face Artur Beterbiev in a highly anticipated rematch next month. This fight offers Bivol a second chance to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion, a title that slipped through his fingers during their first encounter.

Despite being the first man to knock down the ferocious Beterbiev, Bivol couldn’t convince the judges that he had done enough to secure victory. The three ringside judges awarded Beterbiev the win, leaving fans clamoring for this rematch. The upcoming bout has reignited excitement within the boxing community, as it promises to reshape the future landscape of the light heavyweight division.

Rising Stars Benavidez and Morrell Enter the Picture

Adding even more intrigue to this division are two rising stars: David Benavidez and David Morrell. Both fighters are set to clash on February 1 to determine the mandatory WBC challenger. The winner will earn not only the WBC interim title but also the WBA regular belt, positioning themselves for a potential showdown with either Bivol or Beterbiev.

Benavidez, known for his explosive power and relentless fighting style, has already expressed his desire to face Bivol. Speaking to Miami 560 WQAM, he confidently claimed that his past sparring sessions with Bivol give him an edge.

“I will definitely beat Bivol. I sparred with him back in the day, and we had some amazing sessions. But I always came out on top. The last time I sparred with him, I was 21 or 22 years old. Now I’m turning 28 tomorrow, and I’m in my prime. I’m more focused, more experienced, and a hungrier fighter. This version of David Benavidez will beat Dmitry Bivol,” Benavidez declared.

The confidence doesn’t stop there. In a separate interview with Cigar Talk, Benavidez revealed that his intense sparring sessions with Bivol often left Bivol’s team calling it quits.

“I almost knocked him out. I’m not lying—there’s no need to exaggerate. A lot of people witnessed it. It was a fantastic sparring session. I sparred with him a few times, but during the last session, I nearly knocked him out. I cornered him, and in the final 20 seconds of the fourth round, I landed 15-20 punches. After that, they said they didn’t want to spar anymore,” Benavidez recounted.

What Lies Ahead for Bivol and the Light Heavyweight Division

While Benavidez is brimming with confidence, there are significant hurdles before a fight between him and Bivol can materialize. Both Bivol and Benavidez face formidable opponents in February. Bivol must first conquer Artur Beterbiev, whose devastating knockout power and undefeated record make him one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. Meanwhile, Benavidez must overcome David Morrell, a highly skilled and undefeated contender, to secure his place as the mandatory challenger.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Bivol, Benavidez, and the entire light heavyweight division. February is shaping up to be a pivotal month, with outcomes that will dictate the future of the sport. Boxing fans are eager to see whether Bivol can redeem himself against Beterbiev and prove his dominance in the division. If he does, a showdown with the winner of Benavidez vs. Morrell could be one of the most electrifying matchups in recent memory.