JUST three months ago, Artur Beterbiev, 21-0 (20 KOs), and Dmitry Bivol, 23-1 (12 KOs), went toe-to-toe in one of the most hotly anticipated light-heavyweight bouts in recent memory, with Beterbiev edging a majority-decision to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
Now, with the pair poised to meet again, Beterbiev reflected upon his most famous triumph and claimed that Bivol had luck on his side that night, despite being handed a first career defeat.
In an intriguing tactical encounter, the judges favoured the front-footed aggression of the fabled knockout-artist over the slick, precise punches of the then WBA champion, much to the disappointment of the Dmitry Bivol and promoter, Eddie Hearn.
This time around, the 175lb duo top a card that features a plethora of global superstars and high quality battles, including four world title fights that feature reigning champions; Daniel Dubois, 22-2 (21 KOs), Shakur Stevenson, 22-0 (10 KOs), and Carlos Adames, 24-1 (18 KOs), as well as three further interim world title contests.
Yet, despite an array of fights that are each worthy of main-event status themselves, Beterbiev will hope that he will be able to live up to his position at the summit of the bill and steal the show by defeating Bivol without the aid of the judges this time around.
At today’s press conference, ahead of the rematch, the undefeated Russian-Canadian appeared frustrated that he didn’t stop Bivol in their initial match-up, as he declared his belief that Bivol was ‘lucky’ when he became the first fighter to take him the distance.
“I don’t know [how he was able to become the first to reach the final bell], maybe he had luck that night, because he was lucky that night.”
In response, Bivol offered a poetic rebuttal, stating that ‘he has worked for his luck’.
“I don’t believe too much in luck. I think that luck will come to people who work hard. I work on it, and I become lucky. Luck will not come without work.”
The card, billed as ‘The Last Crescendo’, will take place on Saturday, February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and will be available to watch live on DAZN PPV and TNT Sports Box Office.
