In a boxing match for the title of absolute world light heavyweight champion between Russians Dmitri Bivol And Artur Beterbiev there is no favorite, former WBC champion Grigory Drozd told .
On Saturday evening, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia, Turki Al al-Sheikh, announced that the fight between Beterbiev and Bivol would take place on June 1 in Saudi Arabia.
“I’m pleasantly surprised the fight is happening so soon.” Ramadan starts in March, we discussed it with Arthur (Beterbiev). It seemed to me that if he kept it, then with full preparation the fight should take place later than June. But if they calculate the force, then it’s only better for us (the public). I am very happy that on June 1 we will witness the long-awaited fight.
If we talk about the balance of power, then objectively it is 50 to 50. How Dmitry Bivol prepares for the fight is very important, because Arthur, most likely, will traditionally be in very good shape. What Beterbiev will do is also clear to everyone. Additionally, a lot will depend on how Bivol approaches the fight from a psychological perspective. If Arthur manages to impose his fight at mid-range, then Bivol will be in big trouble. If Dima can keep Beterbiev at a distance, control the course of the fight, not get involved in a fight with him and not miss punches, then, of course, his chances will increase significantly.
It will be a fight of two styles, of two philosophies, of two different visions of boxing. Whoever is best prepared will win, but a lot depends on Bivol.
— Do you have any sympathies, will you support anyone separately?
— We have communicated and been friends with Dima for a long time, on good terms. I also know Arthur very well, he was on my podcast. A wonderful person, a fighter. I wouldn’t focus on who is which friend, but I would just be happy with the boxing aspect. The fight will be for the title of absolute light heavyweight champion; from the point of view of boxing history, it is very significant and important. Such fights happen very rarely, it’s great that we are witnessing this fight.
And secondly, two compatriots, Russians, will meet, which is also very important. This suggests that our boxing is at a very high level. Fans of either side will surely be disappointed by the loss, but it’s inevitable. In the overall sense of the word, we will witness a cool historical battle. I am sure it will turn out to be interesting, I am very happy that it is happening,” Drozd told .
Beterbiev holds championship belts according to WBC, WBO, IBF and has 20 first victories in 20 fights. Bivol holds the WBA belt and has 22 victories in 22 fights.
Watch live broadcasts of boxing tournaments on and Match! Fighter”, as well as on the sites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
