Sullivan Barrera “After Ward, Bivol is my toughest challenge”

Published by Shawn C.

MIAMI, Florida – Top light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera is
working hard in the second half of his training camp for his March 3rd HBO
televised clash against WBA light heavyweight champoin Dmitry Bivol.

The 35-year-old former Cuban amateur standout has been on quite a run.
After losing a unanimous decision to the now retired former pound-for-pound
king Andre Ward, Barrera has put together a four fight win streak against
the likes of Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Paul “Pay Per View” Parker, Joe Smith
Jr. and the hard hitting Felix Valera.

While that is an impressive list, Barrera knows that none of those
opponents are as formidable as the challenge that lies ahead of him on March
3rd at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden.

“Bivol is a great fighter. He will be the second best fighter I have faced
and second only to Andre Ward,” said Barrera. “He has a great amateur
pedigree and has been knocking out the majority of his opponents. I know I
need to bring my ‘A’ game to beat him.”

Bivol has stopped his previous four opponents and only 2 of his 12 victims
have made it to the final bell. Barrera has a lot of respect for his
opponent and believes his power is legitimate.

“He has knocked guys out with one punch. I know I have to be careful in
there. He is a very confident fighter. He knows he has power and knows how
to get in position to use it. That is why I am taking him very seriously,”
Barrera explained.

Barrera knows that a victory over Bivol will open a lot of doors as fights
against champions like Sergey Kovalev, the Adonis Stevenson-Badou Jack
winner and Artur Beterbiev could be available to him but the Cuban refuses
to look ahead.

“March 3rd is all that matters. God willing I get the win and then we can
talk about future plans but right now I am focused on Bivol. I know I have
to concentrate on him and give him all of my attention,” said Barrera.