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Who is Dmitry Bivol?
Dmitry is a Russian professional boxer, known for his prowess in the light heavyweight division. He’s gained recognition for his impressive boxing skills, technical prowess, and undefeated record.
Last days I have to answer the question: Would I fight Canelo? Of course, he has a title in my weight, he just won a big fight, he is one of the biggest names in boxing. I respect him. I hope he will stay at 175 or we can fight in 168. Do I believe I can win? Yes I do. pic.twitter.com/ZqqI2GbMg4
— Dmitry Bivol (@bivol_d) November 5, 2019
Wiki: Age, Childhood, and Education
Dmitry Yuryevich Bivol was born on 18 December 1990, in Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan. He’s the son of a father born in Soviet Moldova and a mother who is an ethnic Korean but born in Soviet Kazakhstan. He lived in Kyrgyzstan until 11, when the family moved to Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Dmitry Bivol’s boxing journey began at 6 years of age in Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan. Because of his larger size compared to his peers, he gained confidence by defeating older opponents in amateur matches. His decorated amateur career includes 2 U-17 world championships, a bronze medal at the 2008 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships, and victories at the Russian national championships in 2012 and 2014 as a light heavyweight. Bivol’s remarkable amateur record stands at 268 wins and 15 losses.
Career Beginnings, First Title Win
Dmitry Bivol stepped into the professional boxing ring for the first time in November 2014, delivering a series of six knockout victories that demonstrated his power. During his training journey, he honed his skills sparring with notable partners such as Egor Mekhontsev, Jean Pascal, and Vyacheslav Shabranskyy. While residing in St. Petersburg, Bivol chose Southern California as the hub for his rigorous training regimen.
The pivotal moment arrived on 21 May 2016, when Bivol seized the WBA interim light heavyweight title, in a unanimous decision against Felix Valera. His subsequent title defenses reinforced his dominance. He delivered a commanding technical knockout against Robert Berridge, and a triumphant TKO against Samuel Clarkson, who both fell victim to Bivol’s power.
Fueling his ambition, Bivol set his sights on the WBA (Regular) light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly, marking a significant step in his career. Demonstrating his consistency, he engaged in a non-title bout with Cedric Agnew and secured yet another victory, this time with a fourth-round TKO.
The boxing landscape shifted as Bivol’s determination and skill led to another turning moment in his career- becoming the WBA light heavyweight champion after Badou Jack vacated the title.
After the vacant titles were left unclaimed, Dmitry Bivol’s ascent to the full WBA championship solidified his standing in the light heavyweight division. A scheduled optional defense was set against Trent Broadhurst, although media skepticism arose due to more highly-ranked contenders being available. Bivol’s performance against Broadhurst silenced doubters, as he swiftly secured a first-round knockout victory.
Continuing his streak, Bivol’s commanding triumph over Sullivan Barrera showcased his dominance in the ring. However, this victory came at a cost, with Bivol enduring a cut and developing a hematoma during the fight, stemming from an accidental clash of heads. Notably, this victory was part of a doubleheader featuring Sergey Kovalev’s successful title defense.
Reflecting on the Barrera fight, Bivol delved into his strategy and highlighted the precise moments that led to his knockout victory. Comparing punch statistics, Bivol’s prowess became evident, as he outperformed Barrera in terms of accuracy and effectiveness.
In his defense against Isaac Chilemba, Bivol retained the WBA title with a unanimous decision from the judges, a consensus echoed in media scores. Despite Chilemba’s resilience, Bivol’s defensive skills shone through, thwarting many of his opponent’s attacks.
Punch statistics painted a clear picture of Bivol’s dominance against Chilemba, reaffirming his control over the fight. His plan to face Kovalev was disrupted by Eleider Álvarez’s victory, altering his trajectory. Negotiations buzzed about a potential match against former unified champion Jean Pascal, heightening Bivol’s profile.
Bivol’s victory against Joe Smith Jr. further bolstered his record, achieved through a unanimous decision. CompuBox punch statistics demonstrated Bivol’s clear superiority, as he out-threw and outlanded Smith Jr. significantly, showcasing his skill and control in the ring.
Rise to Prominence
Bivol faced Castillo on 12 October 2019, as an elevated WBA (Super) light heavyweight champion. He showcased his dominance in the sixth round by delivering a precise counter right hand that sent Castillo to the canvas. This emphatic knockdown underscored Bivol’s control over the fight. The judges’ unanimous decision in Bivol’s favor, with scores of 119–108, 119–108, and 120–107, confirmed his victory, and solidified his claim to the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.
Analyzing the fight, CompuBox revealed the precision of Bivol’s punches, as he landed 188 of 652 total punches with a connection rate of 29% in contrast to Castillo’s 23%.
Continuing his championship journey, Bivol defended his WBA (Super) title for the second time against Craig Richards. Scheduled for the undercard of the Dereck Chisora and Joseph Parker heavyweight clash on 1 May 2021, at the Manchester Arena, the fight drew significant attention. Bivol emerged victorious with a unanimous decision, with scorecards of 118–110, 115–113, and 115–114 reflected Bivol’s control over most of the rounds. Following the fight, Bivol seized the opportunity to issue a call-out, expressing his willingness to face fellow light heavyweight champions in a bid for title unification.
In a significant announcement, Bivol’s title defense against Umar Salamov was set for 11 December 2021, the clash primed to captivate fans as the main event of a DAZN broadcast at KRK Uralets in Ekaterinburg, Russia.
The anticipation was heightened as Salamov, initially set to face Joe Smith Jr. in October 2021, shifted focus to Bivol. When the bell rang, Bivol entered as a -2000 favorite, contrasted by Salamov’s +1100 underdog status. Bivol’s dominance was palpable, resulting in a unanimous decision victory (118–110, 118–110, 119–109), solidifying his grasp on the WBA (Super) light heavyweight title.
Undefeated Record, Fighter of the Year
Continuing his journey, Bivol’s clash against Canelo Álvarez was unveiled for 7 May 2022, marking DAZN’s inaugural pay-per-view offering in the US and Canada. Despite being the underdog (+400), Bivol triumphed via unanimous decision (115–113 on all scorecards), outlanding Álvarez in every round according to CompuBox stats.
However, the judges’ scoring stirred controversy, as Álvarez was awarded the first four rounds – Álvarez’s desire for a rematch added to the drama. A mandatory title defense loomed against Gilberto Ramírez on 5 November 2022, in the UAE. Bivol emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (117–111, 117–111, 118–110) while expressing his ambition for a title unification bout as he prepares for the next fight that will happen in October or November.
Bivol’s success earned him the 2022 The Ring “Fighter of the Year” accolade.
Net Worth
According to authoritative sources, Dmitry Bivol’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, as of mid- 2023.
Personal Life, Married, Wife, Children
Dmitry Bivol was married to a woman named Ekaterina from 2013 until 2023. They began dating in 2010 after meeting on a plane, and have two children together, Miron and Nikon.
Appearance and Body Measurements
Dmitry Bivol has brown eyes and black hair. He stands at a height of 6ft (1.83m), while he weighs approximately 165lbs (75kgs). His vital statistics are 40-30-39.
