Bivol promises “more punches” in rematch against Beterbiev

Dmitrii Bivol (23-1, 12 KOs) promised “more punches” and “more endurance” in rematch against Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The fight will be for undisputed light-heavyweight title which Beterbiev holds.

Beterbiev won the title in the first encounter between them in October last year. He defeated Bivol via majority decision (115:113, 116:112 and 114:114).

Bivol said he watched three or four times the first encounter between them.

I saw good moments and bad moments. I just need to be better in all positions. I need to be faster, I need to be harder, smarter, everything better.”

Asked about lessons learned from last October’s battle, Bivol – 23-1 (12 KOs) – said: “Not too much learned but I learned about myself, that I don’t like to lose and I need to push myself harder.”

What will he do differently?

“It means more punches and more endurance,” said the 34-year-old challenger.

Beterbiev expects different strategy from Bivol.