How To Master Dmitry Bivol’s Soviet Style

Certain styles have become synonymous with particular fighters throughout boxing history.

When an elite champion masters these specific methods in the ring, they virtually become their own.

When you think ‘peek-a-boo style’, you think Mike Tyson.

When you hear ‘Mexican style’, it’s Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

When the ‘shoulder roll defence’ is mentioned, Floyd Mayweather Jr comes to mind.

In the same manner, Dmitry Bivol’s name instantly evokes thoughts of a dynamic, free-flowing approach.

It’s this ‘Soviet style’ that Bivol has made his own and utilised masterfully to reign as Undisputed light-heavyweight World Champion in his illustrious career so far, inspiring his latest limited-release Sparring Club Collection.

The History of the Soviet School of Boxing

Bivol has shone a mainstream spotlight on the Soviet style of boxing after using it to become a pound-for-pound great and reign as World Champion for almost a decade.

But it’s a scientific approach that was first introduced by the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century, in an effort to achieve international sporting dominance, particularly in the Olympics.

The Soviet system emphasised biomechanics, physics, and psychology in training, with a focus on movement efficiency to maximise speed and power with minimal wasted motion.

Soviet fighters focused more on scoring clean punches rather than seeking knockouts, being a points-based approach originally designed for long-term success in the amateur ranks.

A distinctive stance and specific movement are involved with the Soviet style, as seen with Bivol in the ring, with a more upright stance and weight evenly distributed for mobility.

This allows for quick pivots and lateral movement, setting it apart from a more squared-up base or the crouched stances of fighters across Europe and America.

Asked about his unique and fluid style of fighting, Bivol explained that this was developed over time with different coaches and through constant dedication to his craft.

Here, Bivol breaks down how to master his style and outlines important points to improve on.

How To Master Dmitry Bivol’s Style

Dmitry Bivol: “My style is a mix. First of all, I could say that the base is like Soviet Union style. All of my coaches since young have helped add something to this style. I'm moving and throwing punches with a relaxed shoulder. I move on my feet. I move a lot."

“I had three coaches in my life; first coach he trained me for six years. Then eight years with my second coach. Now with my current coach Gennadi we are working for 14 years. All of them added something and my style came from all of them I think."

“My style is moving. I throw punches with a relaxed shoulder and in combinations. You don’t need to keep your legs straight."

“You have to keep your knees a little bit soft and bent. Imagine that after each punch, there is a counter, so you must use your feet for defence. The most important thing is that you have to have some defence after throwing punches."

“Everything should connect, from your lower body to your upper body. Your legs to your arms. All of your punches should come from your legs. This is the Soviet Union Style. You can throw punches when you are moving."

“If you are coming back with the hook, then do it with your legs, do it with your body. You should charge the shot from your waist."

“Relax and get your power from your legs, while keeping your neck, chin, and elbows tucked in."

“You spend a lot of energy. So, for this style, you have to have good endurance.”

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A tribute to Dmitry Bivol’s relentless preparation in camp. Hard rounds. Brutal sprints. Endless sacrifice. All vindicated when his hand was raised over Artur Beterbiev on February 23, 2025. Limited-release, no restocks.