By Steve Kim

WBA 175-pound belt-holder Dmitry Bivol is hard at work preparing for his March 3rd showdown against the respected Sullivan Barrera (21-1, 14 KOs).

This bout will be part of the HBO broadcast from the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Headlining the card is WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev, in a voluntary world title defense against Igor Mikhalkin.

A few times a week, Bivol (12-0, 10 KO's) makes his way to the Legendz Boxing gym in Norwalk, California.

On Friday, he sparred with the likes of prospect Kevin Newman and one time cruiserweight contender Lateef Kayode.

When asked if his Cuban foe is the toughest opponent to date, Bivol (who's been learning English) answered - "I think yes because he has good amateur career. He has good experience. He fought against good boxers like Andre Ward, (Vyachaslev) Shabranskyy, Joe Smith and Karo Murat. Yeah, now he's my best opponent."

Barrera, who's not one to hold his tongue, has been very vocal on social media in the lead up to this fight. As always, he doesn't lack for confidence and it's clear that he believes that Bivol is simply a bit too green to defeat him.

"Yes, I've heard but every boxer must think about himself, that he will be a winner," said Bivol, who isn't bothered by any of the statements from Barrera.

"He must think about it because this helps him to be a winner. Barrera is a good fighter, that's exactly what he will think about."

Barrera has won four straight since losing a twelve round decision to Ward back in March of 2016. He picked up a pair of knockouts over Shabranskyy and Parker, win a ten round decision over Joe Smith (who suffered a broken jaw in the fight), and defeated the durable Felix Valero by decision last November.

Bivol has stopped his last four opponents in four rounds or less.

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.