Bivol Relishes Opportunity to Prove What Kind of Fighter He is Against Canelo Alvarez on May 7
Dmitry Bivol (19-0, 11 KOs) is days away from the most significant fight of his professional career. On May 7, the 31-year-old defends the WBA Super light heavyweight title against the current undisputed super middleweight champ, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs).
It’s the kind of marquee, big-money matchup Bivol has sought out his entire career. For years, he’s wanted to face Alvarez. At long last, he gets his opportunity to fight the man ranked number one on 3Kings Boxing’s top ten fighter rankings. During an interview with Matchroom Boxing, Bivol talked about his level of excitement but is putting Alvarez and the event itself in perspective.
READY FOR THE MOMENT
“Now I got the chance to show my skills for many, many boxing fans. This is what I wanted when I came into professional boxing, this opportunity to show my skills. To prove to people that I’m a good boxer, look at me. I only believe in my victory. If you want to get success, you have to believe it.
[…] When I heard about the deal is done, I just was ready. Every opponent is good, tough. It’s a new challenge for me […] I’m a good boxer too. Yeah, he’s good, but I don’t have to think about it all the time. I have to think about my training.
I don’t bet on my size; I don’t bet on my power, on my speed. Boxing is not just hard punches. How you do it, by your power, by your speed, it doesn’t matter. I just need to throw more punches on his head, his body. Of course, I will try to make him hurt as much as I can if I see the opportunity to do this.”
PREPARING BODY AND MIND
The 175 pound champ is working diligently at the Joel Diaz Training Camp in Indio, California. During an interview with Matchroom Promotions, Bivol said he loves the space and solitude of Indio, feeling it’s good for his emotions. He will need a calmness of mind and spirit on fight night. For the first time as a pro, Bivol will be front and center of the big lights and atmosphere.
Alvarez has fought at 175 pounds previously, when he stopped Sergey Kovalev to win the WBO light heavyweight title in November 2019. It would be a mistake to think he will waltz his way through Bivol in his second foray in the division.
Bivol is dangerous, arguably the most skilled boxer at 175. If he can keep his emotions in check and handle the magnitude of the event, he’s more than capable of winning. The hunger and incentive are certainly there. Harnessing his nerves with his skillset will be integral to how he performs.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
