The star is no stranger to fights that go the distance, with the 34-year-old having won 11 bouts by decision over the course of his career so far, with a 23-1 professional record.

But the former WBA light heavyweight champion found himself on the other side when he was on the losing end of a majority decision against Beterbiev in October.

Bivol will bid for revenge and to become undisputed champion when the duo meet again at Riyadh Season's The Last Crescendo, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View on February 22.

Much of his preparation will be spent looking back at their first light heavyweight clash, with plenty to be learned from the dozen rounds they shared in the ring together.

But while Bivol won't spend too much time studying the aftermath of the final bell, he says the wait to hear the scorecards was akin his massive bout with Alvarez back in 2022.

"It was similar to be honest, the waiting, because you don't know what is going to happen," he told a pre-fight roundtable on Monday. "You feel the feelings.

"After the fight against Canelo, it was better a little bit inside – I mean, before they [raised] my arm. It doesn't matter, you know, I just need to be focused on my next fight."

Of course, the circumstances for Bivol were more favourable when he faced Canelo, who stepped up to light heavyweight in an attempt to conquer another division.

It didn't work out as planned for the Mexican, and Bivol added that he knew the decision would likely go his way in his gut even before it was announced.

"My feelings inside of me after the fight with Canelo, it was better, you know?" he said. "Immediately after the 12th round, I felt a little bit better, you know?"

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