A Bangkok ready guide to Dimitri Bivol and the Soviet boxing style
The Soviet Boxing style is an almost mythical system, a relic of the USSR’s amateur boxers. Athletes from the Soviet union were able to dominate with the bouncy, light footed style, effectively scoring points that won world championships with rhythmic volume punching. Despite its success, it has been mostly confined to the amateur circuit, with many claiming that the style lacks the power and the efficiency for a twelve round professional fight. This consensus was questioned when Dimitri Bivol rose to prominence, catching the eye of the casual fanbase when he defeated boxing star Canelo Alvarez. Bivol has used the soviet style, utilising its rhythm and the pendulum step, in order to transition such an elegant style into professional boxing. Bivol’s style is based around the pendulum step, shifting weight from his front leg to his back leg. This often takes the form of a bouncing/hopping motion but can also be carried out from a static position, with Bivol shifting his weight from...