Dmitry Bivol offered his verdict on Canelo Alvarez’ knockout power after becoming the second man to defeat him.
Mexican icon Canelo made the move up to light-heavyweight to challenge Bivol for the WBA world title back in September of 2022.
After putting on a standout display, Bivol retained his belt via unanimous decision to successfully defend his world title and become just the second fighter to get the better of Alvarez after Floyd Mayweather many years ago.
The Russian star would go on to become the undisputed champion earlier this year when he got the better of countryman Artur Beterbiev in their highly anticipated rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference after his showdown with Canelo, Bivol shared his thoughts on the punching power of the 35-year-old, where he claims he had ‘really good power,’ though quantified that he did say it may not be overly notable at 175lbs.
“I felt his power. He has really good power. He has good speed, good power, good sense, but some people are born with the power. I don’t have that type of power.
“I can throw a power punch if I want to put the power into my punch, I can do it intentionally and some other boxers, they have power in every punch. They can just throw a punch and it’s already powerful. To be honest, as a light-heavyweight, I didn’t feel like he had that power that you get from birth, I felt like he was just putting everything he can into every punch and trying to make it powerful.”
Canelo has continuously stated that the rematch with Bivol is one of the only fights he truly wants. Bivol’s manager recently revealed that his man would be all in for the fight to happen next year. Promoter Eddie Hearn has also stated that the Russian would ‘really like’ the second fight.
Before he can turn his attention to Bivol, however, undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo must come through his upcoming fight with fellow pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford, who he faces at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on September 13.
As for Bivol, the 34-year-old is currently recovering from back surgery, with his return to the ring expected to come during the early stages of 2026. The Russian great could also face Beterbiev in a trilogy bout, or perhaps WBC Champion David Benavidez.
