Bivol: Barrera made mistake choosing me, not Kovalev

WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol (12-0, 10 KOs) believes that Cuban Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KOs) chose the fight with him, and not with Sergey Kovalev, assessing the higher chances of victory.

"Initially, I thought that Barrera would choose a fight with Kovalev, although I hoped that he would eventually choose me. He chose me, and I'm glad that it happened," admitted Bivol. "I think he thought that he would cope easier with me. But in that case he made a mistake."

"Barrera, without a doubt, is the best fighter I fought, and winning over him will bring me a lot. More fans will think that I can be the best in the light heavyweight division," said Dmitry. "He's from Cuba, and Cuban boxers are very technical. He is strong, tall, experienced. I consider him a good fighter."

Dmitry Bivol vs Sullivan Barrera is scheduled for March 3 in New York.