Dmitry Bivol faces a battle not only a forthcoming battle with Artur Beterbiev but with his ex-wife over child support payments.
Ekaterina Bivol is hunting the world ruler for paying just over a thousand bucks a month for his two sons. Kate is pushing to out Bivol over the matter, which comes hot on the heels of abuse allegations made by the now estranged mother of his children,
Kate has launched a social media campaign and has amassed a following of over 30,000 on Instagram alone. She’s vowed not to stop until justice is done.
“Cancel Bivol for paying only 1100 [dollars] per month for both kids! He is hiding his foreign bank accounts,” Kate alleged. Under a photo of Bivol at his most recent press conference, she added, “My children and I are [cheering] for Artur!”
Bivol, who reportedly earned a $5 million paycheck when defeating Canelo Alvarez in 2022, is likely to make twice that in a May 2025 rematch. First of all, the WBA light heavyweight champion must defeat Beterbiev to become the undisputed titleholder at 175 pounds. If that happens on October 12 against Beterbiev, only then will Canelo consider a revenge mission.
On his battle next month, Bivol said, “When I signed a contract to be a pro boxer, I had a goal to become undisputed. Everything that I have gone through has been for that. I did it to achieve my goal. Even the fight against Canelo. It was my ticket for big fights. And now I’m happy I will have this fight on June 1 for all the belts.”
He added, “For every training camp, I think my opponent is the most dangerous opponent in the world. This helps me to be focused and serious in my training.
“Of course, he’s one of my most dangerous opponents. You see his record and his fights. He is powerful. It makes me more excited to fight against him because I love challenges.
“I love to be tested. This fight is a huge test for me.”
On whether he can win, Bivol concluded, “Every person is different. Not only me. I have good skills, and I believe in my skills. I have been in boxing for 28 years. I’ve been in boxing ever since I can remember. I love this sport, and I think my experience will help me. And my mentality, skills, and camp. I believe I can be undisputed.”
No matter the result against Beterbiev, Bivol’s ex-wife is proving to be a formidable opponent.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
