“Living in denial?” Dmitry Bivol asserts that he will not drown in his miserable defeat.

Victory often defines the legacy of professional athletes, but so does their response to failure. For Dmitry Bivol, the aftermath of his first career loss to Artur Beterbiev has sparked intense scrutiny. Despite suffering a significant defeat in their highly anticipated light heavyweight title bout, Bivol remains adamant that he won’t let the loss define him or weigh on his mind.

Refusing to Dwell on the Past

Following the decision loss, many speculated whether Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) would be able to recover mentally and physically. However, the Russian boxer remains defiant. In a recent interview, Bivol made it clear that he refuses to spend time lamenting the outcome.

“I cannot think too much about it. I just don’t have time to pity myself over it,” Bivol stated. “I want to move forward.”

This stance has drawn both admiration and skepticism. Some see it as a mark of a focused professional, while others perceive it as denial.

Preparing for Redemption

The looming rematch against Artur Beterbiev presents Bivol with a golden opportunity to reclaim his status as one of the top fighters in the light heavyweight division. Scheduled for February 22, 2025, the fight is expected to be a defining moment in both fighters’ careers.

In preparation, Bivol has intensified his training regimen. Reports indicate that he’s been hitting the speed bag harder and pushing himself through grueling runs to build both stamina and strength. While revenge might fuel his motivation, Bivol maintains that his focus is on refining his skills rather than harboring resentment.

“I’m not thinking about the past. My mind is on being better and stronger for the future,” Bivol added.

Divided Opinions on Bivol’s Mental Approach

Bivol’s attitude has sparked debates among boxing enthusiasts and experts. Some believe his refusal to dwell on the loss demonstrates a champion’s mentality—one that prioritizes growth and resilience.

On the other hand, critics argue that ignoring the lessons from defeat could be a critical mistake. Beterbiev (19-0, 19 KOs) is a formidable opponent, known for his relentless aggression and knockout power. Bivol’s ability to address and adapt to the mistakes made in their first bout could be the key to turning the tide in the rematch.

The Stakes for February 22

The upcoming fight is more than just a rematch; it’s a battle for redemption and validation. For Dmitry Bivol, it represents a chance to remove the unwanted label of “former champion” and prove that his first defeat was merely a setback, not the end of his dominance in the division.

Fans eagerly anticipate whether Bivol’s mental resilience and intense training will be enough to overcome Beterbiev’s formidable challenge.

Moving Beyond Labels

Regardless of the outcome, Bivol’s insistence on focusing forward rather than backward offers a lesson in mental toughness. His journey exemplifies the delicate balance between learning from failure and not letting it define one’s future.

As the rematch approaches, one thing remains clear—Dmitry Bivol is not interested in being known as a “former champion.” He’s determined to reclaim his position at the top and leave the past behind, once and for all.