Dmitry Bivol has come a long way already in his 33 short years on this planet so far.
The boxing world champion from Russia has had a great run so far. Travelling the world and battering opponents wherever he went.
Speaking to DAZN below when they asked him about some fond memories and photos from the past, as well as looking at an Artur Beterbiev fight, Bivol enthused:
“Okay, this is the spot—made in Madison Square Garden. Vadim and I came here, and it marked the beginning of our relationship with Matchroom. It was a trend to show your photo from ten years ago. I don’t remember exactly where it was, but it was somewhere close to my house, then left after that and right after. It was a photoshoot—just following the trend.
This was the time when we decided to work with Matchroom (Eddie Hearn). We signed the contract, and our first fight was against Joe Smith, who won by unanimous decision, still undefeated and the WBA light heavyweight champion of the world.
This is one of the best moments of my life—my first son was just born, and he was only a few days old. I was surprised by the huge difference between my hand and his. This is a good memory; I won the National Championship in 2014, and we celebrated with my friends. In the photo, you can see my closest friend, who is the godfather of my son. This is how we had fun.
It was in Hollywood. I visited for the first time and was walking with my friend on Hollywood Boulevard. At that time, Transformers was really popular, and I was checking it out when he took a photo.
I remember being in Russia, and there was a guy I was joking with—he’s one of the heroes because he left boxing undefeated. He left as a champion, like Lennox Lewis, and I wanted to take a photo with him.
This is my hometown, where I was born. I remember this competition well because the guy I fought was older than me by about four or five years. He was confident he would win, but I ended up winning the fight. I was happy, and he was really sad about the loss.
This photo was taken last summer in Los Angeles at Griffith Observatory. It was Father’s Day, and I like this photo.
This winter, I tried snowboarding, enjoying my free time outside of boxing. I attempted a jump, and we captured this moment. It was before my fight against Lyndon Arthur. Usually, I feel serious before a fight; I just want to compete.
Arthur is starting to get off balance now. This isn’t where he wants to be, backed against the ropes. Right now, he’s starting to land some power punches. This is good work. Is he going to let Arthur off the ropes to work that body shot?”
He takes on Beterbiev for the undisputed crown at 175lbs. (light-heavyweight) this coming Saturday October 2nd, 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
