Dmitry Bivol’s recent loss to Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated light-heavyweight unification bout sent shockwaves through the boxing world. The fight, which saw Beterbiev win in a commanding fashion, raised many questions about Bivol’s performance and how he would assess the loss. Now, the Russian fighter is speaking out about the defeat, offering an in-depth analysis of both his fight with Beterbiev and his previous victory over Canelo Alvarez, and how the two opponents compare, especially in terms of power and technique.

Bivol’s loss to Beterbiev has been the subject of intense discussion in the boxing community, and the 32-year-old has finally broken his silence, providing insight into his mindset before, during, and after the fight. Despite the defeat, Bivol remains a highly respected figure in the sport, and his thoughts on Beterbiev’s performance and how it compares to his famous victory over Canelo shed light on the complexities of boxing at the highest level.

The Beterbiev Defeat: A Reality Check

When Bivol entered the ring against Beterbiev, he was a slight favorite in many observers’ eyes, largely due to his technical prowess, which had been on full display in his dominant victories over top fighters, including the historic win over Canelo Alvarez. However, Beterbiev proved to be a different kind of challenge, one that Bivol couldn’t fully overcome. In his post-fight reflections, Bivol spoke candidly about the defeat, admitting that he underestimated the level of pressure Beterbiev would apply in the ring.

“I knew Beterbiev was a strong fighter, but I didn’t realize how relentless his pressure would be. I thought I could manage his power and control the distance, but he closed it faster than I expected,” Bivol confessed. “His power is real, and I could feel it each time he landed clean. I thought I could survive and adjust, but in the later rounds, it became clear I wasn’t able to control the fight like I had planned.”

One of the key takeaways from Bivol’s analysis of the fight was the overwhelming pressure Beterbiev put on him. The Russian champion was known for his technical approach, focusing on movement and precision, but Beterbiev’s aggression and ability to cut off the ring forced Bivol to fight at a pace he wasn’t accustomed to.

Comparing Beterbiev and Canelo Alvarez: Power and Technique

Bivol’s performance against Canelo Alvarez remains one of the most impressive in recent memory. In their May 2022 bout, Bivol dominated Canelo with his superior technique, neutralizing the Mexican superstar’s power and showcasing his excellent footwork, sharp jab, and boxing IQ. The win was not just about the physical aspect of the fight, but about Bivol’s ability to outclass a fighter widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

When comparing the two fighters—Beterbiev and Canelo—Bivol noted some stark differences. While both are elite fighters in their own right, Bivol explained that Canelo’s approach to the fight was different than Beterbiev’s.

“Canelo is a different kind of fighter. He’s extremely skilled and explosive, but he doesn’t pressure you as constantly as Beterbiev. Canelo wants to control you with his counterpunching and timing,” Bivol explained. “Against Canelo, I could move, I could box, and I could control the distance. He doesn’t have the same kind of raw power that Beterbiev does. Canelo is more about strategy and setting traps, while Beterbiev just comes forward and tries to take your head off with every punch.”

For Bivol, the key to his success against Canelo was being able to maintain control of the fight with movement and jab work. He was able to outbox the smaller Canelo, preventing the Mexican from getting into a rhythm or landing his devastating body shots. In contrast, Beterbiev’s style is far more aggressive, leaving Bivol with fewer options to dictate the pace and movement of the fight.

The Power Difference: Canelo vs. Beterbiev

One of the most talked-about aspects of Beterbiev’s win over Bivol was his power. The Russian fighter’s ability to land crushing shots that affected Bivol throughout the fight stood out as a defining feature. While Canelo is known for his punching power, especially in the lower weight classes, Beterbiev’s ability to apply relentless pressure combined with his knockout power at 175 pounds was a different level altogether.

Bivol was quick to point out that although Canelo is one of the hardest-hitting fighters he’s faced, Beterbiev’s power was on another plane. “Canelo hits hard, no doubt. But Beterbiev’s power is something else. He’s much stronger physically, and he hits harder than anyone I’ve fought. Every punch from him feels like it’s coming with the intention of ending the fight,” Bivol said. “Against Canelo, I could keep moving and dictate things more, but with Beterbiev, it was like being in a storm—there was nowhere to hide.”

Beterbiev’s punching power is one of the most feared in boxing, and it was on full display against Bivol. The Russian champion has knocked out every opponent he has faced, and his ability to break opponents down with power shots is unmatched in the light-heavyweight division. While Canelo’s power can end a fight with precision and timing, Beterbiev’s is more about sheer force and aggression.

Bivol’s Resilience and Future Plans

Despite the defeat, Bivol remains confident in his abilities and is determined to bounce back. “This loss doesn’t define me. I’ll learn from it, and I’ll be back stronger,” he said. “Beterbiev was better on the night, but I know I can compete at the highest level. I’ve beaten Canelo, and I’ve beaten other top contenders. I’m not going to let one loss define my career.”

Bivol’s resilience has always been one of his strongest traits, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts moving forward. His victory over Canelo proved that he has the ability to overcome the odds and defeat some of the sport’s best, and his loss to Beterbiev is simply a part of his journey as a fighter. The light-heavyweight division is as competitive as ever, with other potential matchups on the horizon, and Bivol will likely get another shot at the title in the future.

Conclusion: The Power Struggle Continues

Dmitry Bivol’s loss to Artur Beterbiev, while disappointing, has provided valuable insight into the differences between two of the best fighters in the light-heavyweight division. Bivol’s comparison of both Beterbiev and Canelo reveals the distinct challenges each fighter presents, particularly in terms of power and style. Bivol’s resilience, however, will undoubtedly drive him to come back stronger, and with more opportunities ahead, the battle for supremacy in the light-heavyweight division is far from over.

As boxing fans, we are fortunate to witness the evolution of this rivalry and others in the division, and Bivol’s reflections offer a deeper understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether he faces Beterbiev again or takes on new challenges, Bivol’s journey is far from finished, and his determination to succeed will be key to his future success.