BOXING
Artur Beterbiev confident of KO in Dmitry Bivol fight
So far, Artur Beterbiev has knocked out every opponent he has faced, and despite the injury in camp, he is confident that Dmitry Bivol will be no different.
Artur Beterbiev stands with a calm, unwavering confidence ahead of his October 12th showdown with Dmitry Bivol. The unified light heavyweight champion has fought his way to a perfect 20-0 record, each victory sealed with a knockout. Now, he’s ready to face the slick, methodical WBA champion, Dmitry Bivol, at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Despite coming off recent knee surgery, Beterbiev insists he’s “100%” ready for what many are calling the most important fight in boxing.
“I’m always focused on doing good things,” Beterbiev says when asked about the possibility of a knockout. His voice is even, almost too calm for a man known for ending his opponents’ nights early. “I never try to knock someone out. It happens.” There’s no bravado in his statement, just the simple truth of a man who’s seen his fists put down every fighter that’s stood across from him.
The knockouts may “happen,” but there’s no denying they’re a product of his brutal efficiency. Beterbiev doesn’t chase the KO, but with every fight, it seems to chase him. His devastating power and relentless pressure have made him a force few can withstand for long. As for Bivol, the man who outclassed Canelo Alvarez in 2022, he presents a different kind of puzzle. A master of distance and precision, Bivol’s style couldn’t be more distinct from Beterbiev’s.
Promoter Eddie Hearn can hardly contain his excitement when talking about the fight, billing it as the best in the sport right now. “This is a generational clash, the best two light heavyweights in the world fighting for every belt,” he says, eyes gleaming at the prospect. Hearn knows boxing fans - both hardcore and casual - are in for something special. “Bivol’s a master technician. He walked into the lion’s den against Canelo and schooled him. Now, he faces a machine like Beterbiev.”
Both men remain undefeated, both stand at the peak of their powers, and both know the stakes. The winner will not only unify the light heavyweight division but also cement his place among the greats. It’s more than just another fight. It’s a collision of styles, a battle between the art of boxing and the destruction of it.
For Beterbiev, however, it’s simple. It’s another night to do “good things” inside the ring. Whether that ends in a knockout or not, the fans will soon find out.