WBA mild heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is 100% dialed in for his title protection towards Lyndon Arthur this Saturday night time on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card, however he can’t wait to seize the remaining three belts from the winner of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith battle subsequent month on January thirteenth.
(Picture credit score: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
Bivol (21-0, 11 KOs) expects challenger Lyndon (23-1, 16 KOs) to play it protected and never give him any openings to land his punches. Lyndon was knocked out by Anthony Yarde in 2021, and he doesn’t need to have that occur to him once more if he may help it.
That is Bivol’s first battle again since his title protection towards Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez practically a 12 months in the past in November 2022, and it’s necessary that he use the conflict towards Arthur to get some rounds in to maintain him sharp to face the Beterbiev-Smith winner.
Final 12 months was an enormous one for Bivol, with him defeating Canelo Alvarez and Zurdo Ramirez. There had been discuss of Canelo attempting to avenge his loss towards Bivol, however he determined towards taking that battle, which is smart for him as a result of he was outclassed and too small.
Bivol centered on Lyndon
“I really feel nice that I’ve a battle, and I really feel this, and I odor the glory on Saturday night time,” mentioned Dmitry Bivol to DAZN Boxing, speaking about his contest towards Lyndon Arthur on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card.
“I’m certain he’ll be centered all battle. He’ll attempt to be protected and never open and use his good sides like his jab,” mentioned Bivol about Lyndon.
It will be nice if the Bivol-Lyndon battle steals the present from the highest two playing cards involving Deontay Wilder & Anthony Joshua, but it surely’s unlikely to occur as a result of Arthur has been picked out to serve a twin function for Bivol as a showcase opponent and a tune-up. Until Bivol is extraordinarily ring-rusty, he ought to win with ease and he gained’t steal the present.
Arthur probably gained’t take any possibilities of combating aggressively as a result of he could be leaving himself open to being countered by Bivol. On the identical time, if Lyndon doesn’t take dangers on this battle, he’ll get outboxed and take a whole lot of punishment like Zurdo and Canelo did of their losses to Bivol.
“I’m centered now on the sunshine heavyweight division, however perhaps sooner or later. Who is aware of?” mentioned Bivol when requested if he may transfer as much as cruiserweight to tackle the not too long ago stripped former IBF champion Jai Opetaia.
Dmitry content material with undercard project
“I need to battle for belts. [Artur] Beterbiev or [Callum] Smith, it doesn’t matter,” mentioned Bivol when requested who he wish to face subsequent if he may decide anyone to battle. “I need the winner of this battle.
“No, I gained’t be going [to be ringside for the January 13th clash between IBF, WBC & WBO light heavyweight champion Beterbiev and Smith]. I’ll be on trip with my fiance and household.”
The Saudis reportedly need the Bivol vs. Beterbiev-Smith winner for the undisputed conflict, in order that’s a battle that’s anticipated to occur subsequent if Dmitry wins on Saturday towards Lyndon.
“I’ll be resting mentally, not combating. Consuming the meals and having fun with the meals and having fun with my household and as soon as a day operating and quick coaching,” mentioned Bivol on what he’ll do whereas he waits for his subsequent battle after Saturday’s title defeat towards Lyndon.
“I’m so glad our workforce received this battle and this future occasion. However we now have nice names right here,” mentioned Bivol when advised that it appears bizarre that he’s not headlining this Saturday night time on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card slightly than being on the undercard.
“From this occasion, they might make 4 important occasions, minimal. Wilder & Parker,” mentioned Bivol on what battle on Saturday’s card that he’s most fascinated about seeing. “I simply know that Parker isn’t straightforward for Wilder in any respect, and he shouldn’t take care of him.”
