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.’