LAS VEGAS — The role of being underestimated is something Dmitry Bivol isn't used to.
He's undefeated in 19 fights with 11 knockouts. But heading into the ninth defense of his WBA (super) light heavyweight belt in what is his most challenging opponent in his title reign, he is the decisive underdog as he battles Canelo Alvarez on Saturday night from T-Mobile Arena, live and exclusively on DAZN PPV in the United States and Canada (Check your region on how to watch the fight).
As of Friday morning, Bet MGM has installed Bivol as a +350 underdog, despite a dominant run on top of the light heavyweight division. Bivol, though is facing a different animal. He's stepping through the ropes against boxing's pound-for-pound king, whose only loss was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September 2013. Most would cause a stink and scream to the rooftops about being the underdog. Not Bivol, who relishes the fact many are doubting him.
"It’s much better for me," Bivol told DAZN earlier this week. "It’s something interesting. It’s something new. I was always the favorite. But now, it’s a good challenge. I like it."
Since losing to Mayweather, Alvarez's reeled off 16 consecutive wins across four weight classes, with nine of those wins coming via knockout. A Bivol victory would shock the sports world. However, Bivol won't allow himself to think about what a win would mean. The sole focus is Alvarez and Alvarez only.
"I don’t think about what will be after the fight or what will be on May 8 (the day after the fight)," Bivol said. "I just think about the fight. I’m focused only on the fight (and) not spend my energy thinking about what will be if I win, or if I lose what people will think. I’m only focused on the fight. We will see what will happen.