Dave Coldwell has often been tasked with developing strategies to overcome some of boxing’s best fighters of the modern era.
From his gym in Rotherham, the former fighter has drawn up plans to deal with the threats of Canelo Alvarez, Naoya Inoue, and Oleksandr Usyk.
As one of British boxing’s most successful trainers, Coldwell has always been a studious follower of the sport.
With Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol set to collide this weekend, live on DAZN, Coldwell has taken time from his congested schedule to discuss the fight.
With the entire boxing world split on the outcome, Coldwell is of a similar stance as he can’t be definitive when picking the victor.
“If you asked me five times over the last month who’d win then you’d get a different answer every single time,” said Coldwell during an exclusive chat with DAZN.
“This is what you’re dealing with. This is boxing at the highest level with two unbeaten fighters who both look incredible meeting in what could be one of the fights of the year.
“Usually when I make a prediction, I’m so certain with it and can provide reasons why, but this is a fight that really can go either way, and it wouldn't surprise you who won.”
Observing Bivol, Coldwell is a huge admirer of the WBA champion’s skillset and he’s seen up close what he’s capable of.
Bivol has reached the business end of the light-heavyweight division with several dominant victories with the most eye-catching occurring in 2022 when he defeated Canelo.
The talented star is seen by many to be the boxer in the fight and Coldwell believes that Bivol has no room for error against the powerful Beterbiev.
“He probably has to fight the perfect fight, but the thing is, he’s capable of doing that. Using his jab, using his speed, getting out of range, and constantly on the move.
“He knows what is going to be in front of him and he can’t stand still or be on the ropes. Everything has to be tight, and he has to stay switched on for the full 12 rounds.
“We’ve seen him do that. He’s very resourceful and economic with his punch output and he’ll want to control the pace. Using jab and movement will be so vital for Bivol.
Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight card |
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For Beterbiev, 20 stoppages from as many fights has some within the fight community expecting him to walk through Bivol like he has done to so many of his previous rivals.
Coldwell likes what he sees when watching Beterbiev in action and although the attention has focused on his heavy hands, Coldwell is insistent his feet will be key.
“If he can get his feet right and plant his front foot, he’s going to be able to get close and let his hands go and that will delight his team.
“He won’t care where he’s landing but if he can just land three or four shots on Bivol, even on the arms and shoulders, he’ll be happy if just one gets through to the target because that’s all he needs.”
DAZNWatch Beterbiev vs. Bivol and huge undercard on DAZN
Watch Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol and the full fight card on October 12 on DAZN Pay-Per-View, which includes Fabio Wardley, Frazer Clark, Chris Eubank Jr, Jai Opetaia, Ben Whittaker and Skye Nicolson all fighting.
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