Tony Bellow believes that Dmitry Bivol is the fighter of the year.
The DAZN Boxing Show pundit and former world champion was talking to Ade Oladipo about the highlights of 2022 as they reviewed the best moments of the past 12 months.
The year was perhaps Bivol’s finest in boxing after pulling off an upset victory over Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in what was a hugely impressive display.
He then followed up that win with a match-up against Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, and comfortably dispatched the Mexican in Abu Dhabi.
Bivol now has his sights set on an undisputed clash with Artur Beterbiev, though a rematch with Canelo continues to be mooted.
Bellew admitted he did not expect such performances from the WBA light heavyweight champion.
“Dmitry Bivol. Just that Canelo win,” he began.
“I’m not going to lie. I didn't see it coming but he did , he showed not just me, but everyone just how good he can possibly be. I think the big thing with Bivol is when he’s got fear in his body, he’s a different animal. That’s the competitor, amazing footwork for a light heavyweight.
Oladipo agreed, but did mention Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez as another contender.
The world super flyweight champion defeated Carlos Cuadras, Wisaksil Wangek and Isrel Gonzalez all in the last 12 months.
Oladipo explained: “It’s difficult to argue, he went into the fight with Canelo as an underdog.”
He continued: “I was umming and ah-ing, I was looking at Bam Rodriguez, because I was thinking who’s had three or fights this year at a high level? Bam’s had three fights this year, which is quite rare for a top fighter. I edge to Dmitry Bivol, he unleashed another gear we didn't know he had.”