The holder of the title of “super champion” of the world according to the WBA in light heavyweight (up to 79.4 kg) Russian Dmitry Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) gave
interview for a news portal from the USA.
In a conversation with a journalist, Dmitry commented on his current status in the ranking of the best fighters, regardless of the weight category, spoke about his possible election as the best fighter of 2022, spoke about a possible revenge against the absolute champion of the second middleweight (up to 76.2 kg) Mexican Canelo Alvarez ( 58-2-2, 39 KOs), told how the unified champion from Canada Artur Beterbiev (18-0, 18 KOs) beats, and also gave predictions for some potential fights.
– 3 years ago I interviewed you, and then I said that you are one of the best in P4P. You were outraged back then. Now everyone is saying it. What do you feel?
Yes, one of the best. I feel good, but that was not the goal. My goal was not just to be on the pound-for-pound list. I need more fights to feel 100% that I am the best. Right now, I don’t feel that way.
– Canelo said – an interim fight in May and a rematch with you in September. Do you like it?
“It doesn’t matter what he says.
— OK, Artur Beterbiev with three belts. Did you fight him as an amateur?
– No never.
Did you spar with him?
No, they were just practicing.
How hard does he hit from what you remember?
– Oh, really hard. He is the hardest puncher.
Will he be able to deliver a punch to you because people can’t deliver a clean punch to you?
— Depending on the circumstances. To be honest, everyone reaches out to me. It depends on which camp I will spend, how I will feel that day, at the moment of the battle.
— I like your chances. I think you will beat him.
“Honestly, I think I will beat everyone in the light heavyweight division. But it’s not easy to win. I have to go through a good training camp, I have to be mentally clean, I have to be ready. Because I have enough skills to beat everyone.
- “We’ll fix it.” Arum outlined the timing of the organization of the fight Bivol – Beterbiev
— Okay, Benavidez or Plant?
— I think Benavidez. I like his style.
Have you sparred with him?
– Yes. I think he will win.
— Okay, Tank or Ryan?
— I think Tank. I like his style.
– Well, if you had a fight with David Benavidez, this would it be a good fight?
– Of course I would. He is a famous person. Why not?
– And what are the chances that Dmitry Bivol will rise to cruiserweight and fight Makabu?
– Small chances. Look at me. I just saw Okoli. This is clearly not my weight category.
You’ve had a phenomenal year. Are you the best fighter of this year?
— I heard about it. I heard people give me credit. They say that I should be the fighter of the year. I like it. I don’t know if this is objective, because I haven’t seen all the other fighters. I only think about my career, I think about how to fight my opponents. I don’t know for all of boxing this year. It’s hard.
- “I went through political pressure.” Bivol on the fight with Canelo
Are you open to fighting Canelo at 76.2kg? Is there such an option?
— Of course, we have such an option.
– Can you easily make a limit?
– My weight is now 84 kg. Maximum 86 kg. I’m interested in fighting for the belts. 76.2 kg and for the belts is good. Canelo said that 79.4 kg is not his weight. Okay, since this is not your weight and you want a revenge – let’s talk about 76.2 kg.
What will be your message to the fans? After all, you are very popular now. Everyone loves you. What will you tell everyone?
– Thank you all for your support. I feel your respect. I hope to have a good fight in the future and you will be much happier. I don’t forget about the fans. Go to the gym, exercise. Boxing is the best sport in the world.