Dmitry Bivol compares his skills with Canelo Alvarez: “He’s more of a violent man, I’m more of a boxer”

By: Hans Themistode

There was an indelible smile on Dmitry Bivol’s face. The 31-year-old light heavyweight player was desperate to take on boxing’s top star, Canelo Alvarez.

The current 175-pound WBA champion’s wish has officially been granted just days before he will face Alvarez on May 7, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With the biggest show of his boxing life coming in just over two months, Bivol took the time to analyze the pound-for-pound star’s overall skills.

“He has good skills and good strength,” Bivol said in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV. “This is really exciting for me.”

Of course, Alvarez has crossed the 168-pound weight class in the better of the past 12 months. From December 2020 to November 2021, Alvarez recorded wins by a margin against Callum Smith, Avni Yildirim, Billy Joe Saunders and Caleb Plant.

As a result, Alvarez won every world title at 168 pounds to become the tournament’s first undisputed champion.

Although Bivol didn’t know that the match against Alvarez was coming, the Russian star admitted to watching Alvarez closely over the years. Now, with Bivol beginning the early stages of his preparations, he believes he has a solid grasp of what Alvarez has to offer and how it compares to his own abilities.

“I think the main difference is that he is a bit more argumentative,” continued Bivol. “He’s looking for every toe, he’s looking for a more aggressive fighting style. I’m a boxer trying to keep the fight cleaner and try to be more defensive. I think that makes the fight actually somewhat interesting. ”

Bivol’s aforementioned boxing skills took him to an undefeated record through 19 professional fights and a world championship that spanned the five-year mark. After decisive victories over Joe Smith Jr., Lenin Castillo and most recently Umar Salamov, Bivol was content with holding on to first gear and playing things safe.

On the other hand, facing Alvarez, Bivol knew he would have to take things to the next level if he wanted to hold onto his world title.

“I can’t put everything in just try to keep my distance and try to box. I have to be ready to fight him from head to toe if that happens. I believe I have the capacity and strength to do it if needed.”