Of all the people that Dmitry Bivol is thinking about in the build-up to his undisputed light-heavyweight world title showdown against Artur Beterbiev, his ex-wife probably isn’t one of them – or at least he might have hoped.
The eyes of the boxing world will – once again – turn to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this weekend when the Russian duo go toe-to-toe for the first time in one of the year’s most highly-anticipated bouts.
Undefeated records are on the line as is a chance to become the light-heavyweight division’s top dog and at this stage in late preparations it’s all about blocking out distractions.
However, that could prove to be a more difficult task for Bivol, who has seen his ex-wife Ekaterina reveal alleged ‘secrets’ about his physical condition online in the build-up to Saturday’s post.
Bivol and his former partner shared a marriage of over 10 years, tying the knot in October 2013 having fallen for each other as youngsters.
Russian fighters Dmitry Bivol (right) and Artur Beterbiev (left) are fighting to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion
Bivol’s ex-wife Ekaterina (left) claims to have revealed ‘secret’s about her husband’s injuries
Bivol has faced unproven allegations of domestic abuse and violence from his ex-wife
Ekaterina – who also goes by Kate – first met her ex-husband on a flight in 2007 way before Bivol’s boxing career took off and from there, a romance began to blossom as the Russian fighter started to climb up the rankings.
The seemingly-loved-up couple had two boys together, Miron and Nikon, and appeared to be the ideal nuclear family, before announcing they would be separating last year amid accusations of domestic abuse.
Ekaterina Bivol publicly alleged that her husband hit her, told her to get an abortion, and that she had almost been killed by her mother-in-law all in separate Instagram updates.
‘And this is how this ended… TOLD MY FATHER THAT I HIT MYSELF!!!! YOU ARE ALL scum!! DADDY PREVENTED ME [FROM GOING] to the police… May 3, 2023. The children saw everything!’ she posted online at the time.
Bivol is attempting to become undisputed champion after beating Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez (right) in May
Ekaterina shared a picture of injuries she alleged had been given to her by her ex-husband
‘And this is me, an unhappy psychopath, after your mom’s playing, I lost 8kg in 2 weeks. Did you [feel] sorry for me, the mother of your children and grandchildren?’ Ekaterina added.
She later also raised complaints about Bivol financially neglecting their kids, stating he only pays ‘$1,100 per month for both kids’ after Ekaterina won custody.
Bivol or his camp are still yet to issue an update in response to the allegations made last year.
Amid the toxic fallout of serious allegations of domestic abuse has arisen a situation where, on the eve of Bivol’s attempt to become the first undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world since boxing legend Roy Jones Jr, people are again being reminded of events outside the ring.
In another social media post, Ekaterina backed his opponent, Beterbiev, to claim ultimate glory, and attempted to provide him with insider information in a bid to help him.
Ekaterina wants to see her ex-husband lose after previously hitting out at his actions in a series of social media posts
Bivol and his ex-wife share two children together during their marriage, Nikon (left) and Miron
Again sharing on Instagram last year, Ekaterina – whose bio on the social media platform includes the hashtag #cancelbivol – called her ex-husband a ‘coward’ and explained private weaknesses about his condition.
Having been in a relationship with the fighter for the majority his career, Ekaterina appeared to reveal all on her former husband’s physical and mental condition.
‘I want to tell you everything I know: he has a stress fracture of a vertebra in his back, all his hands have been operated on and not just once, one elbow for sure, very sore knees, his left ear is constantly swelling,’ Ekaterina wrote.
‘It has been broken many times, and fluid has accumulated in his eye many times, sometimes he can’t see well. But the main thing is that he is a coward! We need your victory, Artur.’
Whether Beterbiev’s camp will act on her advice is yet to be seen, but both fighters will have been looking to find any potential chink in their opponent’s armour with everything on the line.
In reality there is very little to split either boxer who arrive in Riyadh with perfect professional records. Beterbiev who carries with pride a perfect record of 20 knockouts in his 20 fights, while Bivol recently defeated Mexican legend Canelo Alvarez.
Bivol will have to be at his best to withstand the onslaught Beterbiev is no doubt preparing to throw at him
Bivol (left) is the slight underdog heading into the bout against a fierce undefeated opponent
Beterbiev is the slight favourite to come out on top in the bout and speaking exclusively to Mail Sport in Riyadh, said: ‘I give Bivol the respect he deserves’.
‘We prepare for him like he’s a good boxer. He has good experience and he is a professional boxer that is holding one belt – so I have to respect that.
‘We are prepared, of course. We are prepared for different things and whatever he comes at me with. We’ll see what happens on Saturday night,’ added Beterbiev.
All will be settled in Riyadh on Saturday evening, but if Bivol is to secure a career landmark victory over his Russian rival then he will have to overcome dramatic odds to do so.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk