Artur Beterbiev spends some time talking about his upcoming rematch with Dmitry Bivol as they get set to headline this weekend, as part of what some are calling the greatest fight card. Beterbiev, who won a decision over Bivol in their first meeting, says he’s looking forward to defending his titles and improving his performance.
On if beating Bivol a second time will feel as good as going undisputed the first time
“For fight, yes the same. That time I want to grab all belts, now I want to defend them.”
On how his ailing knee felt during first fight
“From first fight is a little bit short time before fight, it’s like four months, three months…it’s not perfect that time but now is better. Close to perfect.”
On whether Bivol was his toughest fight
“If you compare like, yeah, went to decision, yes you can say it’s toughest fight. But it’s a little bit different. I think in my boxing career I (faced) more strong guys but it’s different. But you can say it’s toughest fight.”
On why he refuses to shake hands his opponents during pre-fight build ups
“It’s very simple, you know. Like, for example, we have fight tomorrow night, you want to beat me. You want to punch me hard as you can. Why I give a shake?”
