For the first time Dmitry Bivol has properly explained what his and Artur Beterbiev’s history is in Russia and opened the lid on Soviet boxing.
In a cutting interview with BoxNation he spoke about it as well as opened up on the famous Soviet style boxing programs and training:
“He (Beterbiev) was the leader (in Russian amateur boxing at the time). A really good fighter, very strong. That’s what stands out about him. Yes, we spoke a few times, but not too much. We played some games together, like football, and sometimes we would stretch or work out near each other. All the guys on the national team communicated in some way. Yes (I looked up to Artur), when I first joined the senior national team, I looked up to all the number-one fighters. They were the leaders at that time.
On if he thought they’d ever fight back then
“Honestly, no. I couldn’t imagine it at the time because we were in different weight classes. He was a cruiserweight, and I was a super middleweight. I never thought we’d face each other. We’ve seen opponents have early success against Artur, but he always wears them down with relentless pressure. Do you believe you can outbox him or even stop him late? Anything can happen. Boxing is unpredictable, and that’s why we love it. Everything you said is possible—it’s boxing, after all.
Speaking on Soviet style boxing Bivol noted:
“The key to Soviet boxing style is movement—constantly moving in and out while punching. You’re always active, punching while moving, not stopping and starting. That’s the foundation of the style, and it’s something you’re taught from day one in Russian boxing gyms. Yes, of course (I always had that style). It’s the first thing they teach you when you start boxing in Russia—how to move in and out.”
Fascinating stuff.
A real insight into the best Russian boxers of all time in Bivol and Beterbiev, there, and what forged their fight styles early on in Russia.
Typically that Soviet style training was kept secret but good to see Bivol open up on it.
A titanic, colossal fight of biblical proportions awaits fight fans this Saturday night ahead.
