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Dmitry Bivol Wants Revenge Over Belts, Reveals Why He’s Turning To Psychology Books

Dmitry Bivol Wants Revenge Over Belts, Reveals Why He's Turning To Psychology Books

Dmitry Bivol is more than just one of the most technically gifted boxers in the world. He’s a man constantly evolving—both as a fighter and as a person.

His journey to the top of the light heavyweight division hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s shaped him into the disciplined and introspective athlete he is today.

Ahead of his highly-anticipated rematch with Artur Beterbiev, Mail Sport had the chance to sit down with Bivol during his training camp in Turkey, where he shared insights into his mental preparation, the lessons he learned from his first fight with Beterbiev, and how he’s balancing the weight of his ambition with his desire for perfection.

Heading into Bivol’s gym, the word UNDISPUTED is boldly printed above the entrance and again on the back wall, an ever-present reminder of the goal he’s working toward. Inside, the atmosphere is light but focused—before each session, Bivol jokes around with his team, creating a good vibe in camp. It’s a stark contrast to the intensity that follows when training begins.

His walls are lined with pictures of boxing greats—Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard— icons of the sport whose legacies serve as daily motivation. They look down as he perfects the Soviet boxing style that has defined his career.

Mentally, Bivol has always been an introspective individual. He’s someone who understands the power of the mind, and over the years, he’s honed his mental strength as much as his physical conditioning.

‘I used to read psychology books to understand the mind,’ Bivol reveals. ‘It helped me understand the thoughts I was having during training and fights, and it’s something I focus on more now—having power over my thoughts.’

This focus on mental clarity is key to his approach to fighting. After a gruelling training session, Bivol takes time to clear his mind, lying on the canvas in the pitch black to relax his muscles and let go of any lingering thoughts.

‘I try to empty my mind, to think about nothing. It’s hard, but it’s necessary after a long day of training,’ he explains. The process is as much about mental recovery as it is physical, and it’s an essential part of his routine as he prepares for Beterbiev.

Bivol’s approach to boxing has always been about duty—his commitment to discipline and excellence. But over the years, his perspective has shifted, and he now finds more satisfaction in his work.

‘Year by year, I become more focused on enjoying what I do. It’s become my lifestyle. I enjoy it for myself,’ he shares. However, that enjoyment doesn’t come without sacrifice.

Reflecting on his first fight with Beterbiev, Bivol remains remarkably calm and analytical. While the bout was competitive, he feels there were moments where he could have performed better.

‘I controlled the fight for most of it, even when I was moving back. I felt in control,’ Bivol recalls. ‘But I didn’t act how I should have to impress the judges. I should have been more active, throwing more punches in the later rounds.’

Bivol is not someone who shies away from self-assessment, acknowledging that his inability to maintain his activity in the final rounds contributed to his defeat. But his mindset remains pragmatic: ‘I don’t think about the loss too much. I just focus on doing everything right this time. I know what I have to improve.’

Meanwhile, his coach Gennady Mashianov jokes all Bivol needs is ‘better judges that can be more objective when scoring the fight.’

 

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How Corruption Stalled My Guinness World Record Fight in the Past 19 Years – Bash Ali

African Boxing Ambassador, Nigerian Bashiru Lawrence Ali, OON, has made a clarion call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in order for the country to see the dream of staging the Guinness World Boxing Championship during his tenure in office.
Ali, who is fondly called Bash Ali by his teeming admirers believes that the situation has gone to the level that a presidential intervention from a good man like Tinubu can make the dream come to reality, especially with the way official corruption has allegedly hindered the organisation of the epic world boxing fight in Nigeria over the years.
“Sir, for almost 19 years the FGN has failed me. The FGN has extorted millions from me. The FGN has blackmailed me. The FGN has scammed me and despite several juicy offers to fight outside of Nigeria I still refused to give up on my country, Nigeria. I want to fight in my country, Nigeria so help me, please,” the World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight champion lamented in a letter he wrote to the president on Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Bash Ali wrote: “Corruption has killed millions of Nigerians and has left most confused and frustrated. If someone had told me that after almost two years into your administration my Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight would still be stalled, despite my several meetings and discussions with you on the subject matter, I would have punched the person in the mouth.
“For almost 19 years, to make this historic event a reality in Nigeria, the FGN has on three occasions, November 9, 2006, January 7, 2014, and May 21, 2019 inaugurated the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee with the three arms of government, legislative (Senate and House of Representatives committee chairmen on sports), executive (office of the chief of staff to Mr. President) and the judiciary (office of the Attorney General of the Federation) as members. The private sector will provide the funds while the FGN will provide an enabling environment for a successful show, but corruption has stalled it.”
The African Boxing Ambassador went on to inform President Tinubu that “it is imperative to inform you that the FGN is not putting up a KOBO but to provide an enabling environment and in the process earn the glory, honour and money from hosting this historic event.
“My President Sir, after the FGN has collected $12m and extorted millions of Naira from me in the disguise of putting in place the promotional structures, the FGN has stalled the process of hosting this historic fight because I say NO to further extortion,” he said.
Bash Ali told Tinubu that out of frustration and to get justice, “I had to go to court, and the matter is again coming up on April 7, 2025. I did not leave my comfort zone in Oakland, California, United States of America to fight the FGN in a court of law but to fight in a boxing ring to bring honour, glory and financial growth to FGN but I am in court because I have no choice.
“Sir, the people who extorted millions of Naira from me on behalf of the FGN and those who were not successful are still in your cabinet and have sworn that this historic fight will not see the light of the day unless I cooperate with corruption.”
The ageless pugilist pleaded with Tinubu to intervene by “asking that the court case against the FGN be settled out of court. I am respectfully asking for the immediate re-inauguration of the Bash Ali Boxing Project Local Organizing Committee and that all the unnecessary obstacles caused by corruption by the FGN should be removed so this historic fight can hold in our great country, Nigeria.”
Bash Ali did not end his letter to the president without revealing the immediate benefits of staging the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fight in Nigeria. He said: “All Guinness World Record Boxing Championship fights have been held in the United States of America so mine would be the first outside and the most lucrative in the history of Pay Per View Television Revenue, sales of souvenirs, sponsorship, advertisement etc. No fewer than 132 countries are coming to Nigeria to be part of the Boxing History and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has written to the World Boxing Body to guarantee in Nigeria the safety of their members and that the Ministry of Youth & Sports, now the National Sports Commission (NSC) will follow up to ensure timely payment of their Approval Fee which is domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria by the private sector.

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Nigeria Set to Host African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship – NVBF President

 

The President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod, has expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to host the African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place from April 1 to 14 in Abuja.

Speaking during an inspection of facilities, Nimrod commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the main sponsor of the championship, for their unwavering support.

“With the help of the Nigeria Customs Service, who are the main sponsors, we want to say thank you very much. They are doing a very good job, and we appreciate them,” he said.

The Nigeria Customs Service, as the sole sponsor of the event, is determined to deliver a world-class tournament, with its volleyball team aiming to surpass their fourth-place finish in 2021 and make history by winning on home soil.

Nimrod assured that Nigeria Customs’ women’s volleyball team is in top form ahead of the competition, having embarked on a West African tour in preparation.

“I know they are in full preparation. They are on a West African tour, and I know they would do their best. We are well prepared. It is left for the players now, but I know that everything required for them has been provided by the Nigeria Customs Service,” he stated.

He also called on volleyball enthusiasts across the country to come to Abuja and support the tournament.

“The opening ceremony is taking place on the 3rd, and the closing ceremony on the 13th. I want to request all Nigerians, particularly volleyball enthusiasts and players, to come to Abuja,” he urged.

The African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship will bring together top teams from across the continent, further strengthening Nigeria’s position in international volleyball.

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SWAN partners Nigeria Customs Ahead of Historic African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship

African Women's Club Volleyball Championship

 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has pledged full media support for the upcoming African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship, set to take place in Abuja from April 1-14, 2025.

In a courtesy visit led by SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, discussions centered on fostering a productive working relationship to amplify the championship’s impact and promote volleyball’s growth in Nigeria.

The NCS volleyball team, Nigeria’s sole representative, is eager to improve on its fourth-place finish in 2021 and aims to leverage home advantage to make history as both hosts and potential champions.

The Nigeria Customs Service, as the sole sponsor of the event, has committed significant resources to ensure a world-class tournament, making it the first-ever African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship hosted in the region.

Speaking on behalf of the SWAN President, Secretary-General Ikenna Okonkwo praised the Customs Service for taking the bold step to bring Africa’s top club volleyball tournament to Nigeria.

“This is a historic moment for Nigerian sports. Hosting an event of this magnitude is a testament to the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sports development. As the sporting media, we are proud to partner with Customs to ensure this championship gets the visibility it deserves, both locally and internationally,” Okonkwo stated.

FCT SWAN Chairman, Kelechi Onwudiwe, assured that the sporting press in the capital city would fully mobilise to give the event maximum coverage, working together with the SWAN National leadership.

“We are committed to delivering a viral championship, one that will showcase the passion and dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service and its Comptroller General. This partnership goes beyond the championship; it is a foundation for a stronger relationship between Customs and the sporting media,” Onwudiwe emphasised.

Responding, NCS Comptroller General CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the vital role of the media in making the championship a success.

“We are not just hosting this championship; we are aiming to make history. With SWAN as a strategic media partner, we are confident that this event will leave a lasting impact. Beyond volleyball, we look forward to a sustained working relationship with the sporting media for the promotion of various sports under Customs,” the CG said.

With this landmark collaboration, SWAN and the Nigeria Customs Service are set to make the 2025 African Women’s Club Volleyball Championship a defining moment for Nigerian sports.

The SWAN delegation also included FCT SWAN Vice Chairman Victor Okoye, FCT SWAN Secretary Samuel Ahmadu, and FCT SWAN Welfare Officer Joan Iwuchukwu.

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