Dmitry Bivol is expected to return to a more conservative, cautious fighting style when he faces light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on October 12 in Riyadh.
It is believed that WBA 175-pound champion Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) changed to a more aggressive style for his bout against replacement opponent Malik Zinad last Saturday night at Riyadh's Kingdom Arena because the man was not a true world-class fighter.
Facing the hard-hitting IBF/WBC/WBO champion Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs), Bivol will need to avoid a hard-fought fight with Beterbiev because Beterbiev has too much punching power for him to take any chances.
It remains to be seen whether the 39-year-old Beterbiev will be able to return to the ring on October 12 as he is still recovering from a torn meniscus, and the fight could be postponed again if his rehabilitation is not complete.
More in-and-out style
“I don't think he'll take on Beterbiev with that style. I think it's going to be the in and out style that he's used throughout his career and the style that he's really known for,” boxing expert Polly Malignaggi told Probox TV. Dmitry Bivol will return to a more cautious style when he faces Artur Beterbiev for his unbeaten light heavyweight title on October 12, rather than the aggressive style he used against Malik Zinad last Saturday night.
Bivol employed an in-and-out style in his bouts against Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez and Sullivan Barrera – arguably the best opponents Bivol has faced in his career – and he was cautious in those bouts.
“Look at his opponents. He fought Lyndon Arthur and then Malik Zinard. They're not world class,” Chris Algieri said of Bivol's last two opponents. “They're both tall, but Beterbiev isn't. Look back at when Bivol fought Sullivan Barrera.” [in 2018].
“In terms of physique and boxing IQ, there is clearly a difference in power. [between Beterbiev and Sullivan]”It will be a similar fight to the Beterbiev fight. Physically, we are almost the same. The boxing skills are very similar and, of course, the power as well.”
Sullivan Barrera is a different fighter than Beterbiev. He doesn't have the same counterpunching style, but he showed good power. Bivol was younger, faster and more energetic when he fought Barrera.
“What I saw from Bivol that night. I was at ringside. I was in Sullivan Barrera's corner,” Algieri said. “What I saw from Bivol that night was incredible. His ability to control the distance. The power jab, that hard jab. That was the first time I saw it that night. We haven't seen much of it since then.”
“When you fight a boxer, I think you combine it with power shots,” Malignaggi said of Bivol. “He adapts as the situation demands.”
Zinard had some punching power in the first two rounds when he used his right hand, but after he was knocked down, he focused on using his jab and mostly boxing.
Bivol's deep tricks
“That's his arsenal of moves. That's what makes him so dangerous. He does enough with what's in front of him to win. People say, 'Oh, is that the style he uses now?' but no, that's the style he used against that guy that night,” Algieri said of Bivol.
Bivols' offense was predictable against Canelo and Ramirez: He would get in, land a few punches, then retreat to the outside. They couldn't handle his counter punches and hand speed, which is why he was able to overpower them.
“He has the ability to adapt and understand things. His toolbox is very deep and that makes him very dangerous. That's why I picked him to beat Beterbiev. He's like a magician,” Algieri said.
“He doesn't show everything in his bag, he chooses when he needs to. He wants to surprise the crowd every time and he figures out what works every time,” Algieri said of Bivol.
