The press conference before the rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol II for the light heavyweight crown offered little drama, but clear statements from both boxers.
On Monday, Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol met for their first press conference ahead of their rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight world championship. The event in London was calm and businesslike – as expected from the two experienced boxers. There were no provocative words or staged drama. Instead, both athletes concentrated on the essentials.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol II: A rematch with suspense
The first duel between the two top boxers on October 12, 2024 ended narrowly. Beterbiev won by majority decision (116-112, 115-113, 114-114). However, many fans and experts saw the fight as too close for a clear decision. Expectations for the rematch are correspondingly high.
Bivol, who clearly formulated his goal, said: “I don’t just want the belts, I want revenge.” He emphasized how important it was to learn from the first fight and improve: “I’m working on being perfect.”
No provocations, but a humorous moment
Despite the seriousness of the occasion, there was one humorous moment. When Bivol was asked if he had a message for Beterbiev, he replied dryly: “I’m not a letter carrier, I’m an athlete.” The room erupted in laughter – a rare outburst of levity at an otherwise reserved event.
The focus is on athletic performance
Artur Beterbiev, with an impressive KO rate of 95%, was also relaxed. “My goal is to keep my belts,” he explained. When asked why he was unable to stop Bivol early in the first fight, he said: “Maybe he was lucky that night.” Bivol promptly disagreed: “Luck only comes when you work hard.”
An event with clear goals
Promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Vadim Kornilov made it clear how much is at stake. “On February 22, we will see who the real champion is,” said Kornilov. Beterbiev and Bivol seem ready to let their performances do the talking in the ring. The rematch, which is part of the spectacular Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, promises to be a highlight of the 2025 boxing calendar. And not just because of the light heavyweight world championship, but also because of the high-caliber undercard typical of the Riyadh Season.
Only title fights on the undercard
It is peppered with title fights. IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois fights Joseph Parker. Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel will fight for the WBC Interim World Championship in the limit. The WBC middleweight title is at stake in the clash between Carlos Adames and Hamzah Sheeraz. Vergil Ortiz Jr and Israil Madrimov will battle it out for the interim WBC middleweight title, while Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield will go head-to-head for the WBC lightweight title. Joshua Buatsi and Callum Smith will fight for the WBO interim title and the right to fight for the WBO light heavyweight title.
Note for TV viewers: The next edition of the Riyadh Season on February 22, 2025 can be seen exclusively on pay-per-view on DAZN.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger