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Back in 2022, Dmitry Bivol took on Canelo Alvarez. The two men had a boxing match for the ages, featuring a particularly slick sequence that best showcased Bivol's defensive wizardry and sharp counterpunching. A clip of it has been drawing attention on Reddit.
In the aforementioned clip, Bivol tucked his chin into his gloves, which he raised high. Simultaneously, he tucked his elbows to his ribcage, protecting his midsection from a pair of hooks from Alvarez. The very instance Alvarez pulled back from the barrage, Bivol unloaded with a devastating check hook.
Check out Dmitry Bivol's counterpunching ability:
While the blow didn't truly hurt Alvarez, who has proven impossible for anyone to even rock, even Gennady Golovkin, it did snap him to attention. The exchange took place in round 11 of their 12-round bout, which ended with a unanimous decision win for Bivol, who outworked his all-time great foe.
In doing so, the Russian star defended his WBA (Super) light heavyweight title and handed Alvarez his first loss in nine years at the time. Thereafter, Bivol continued his winning ways, defeating his next three opponents in typical fashion to extend his perfect record to 23-0.
Moreover, he has defended his WBA light heavyweight strap since 2017, with no one able to crack his defensive shell or overcome his range. Even the great Alvarez, who is known for his exceptional, well-rounded boxing skill-set, was unable to figure Bivol out.
Few have stumped the Mexican legend in such fashion besides Floyd Mayweather, one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Dmitry Bivol is facing his most daunting foe yet
Later this evening, Dmitry Bivol will take on fellow undefeated Russian pugilist, Artur Beterbiev, who is 20-0 and has stopped every single opponent who has stood in his way. The pair clash for light heavyweight supremacy, with Bivol putting his WBA strap on the line.
Meanwhile, Beterbiev is the IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion. The two men will lock horns in a 12-round affair under the Riyadh Season banner in boxing's marquee bout for the evening and, arguably, the month of October.
