Artur Beterbiev and IBF, WBA and WBO lightweight champion Dmitry Bivol will not be on schedule to play their trilogy match in November. They chose to fight in Russia on the still determined date and venue.
New organizer, Russian payday
Mike Popular Science Report Turki Alalshikh won’t be involved. He carried out the first two Beterbiev-Bivol battles, both of which took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Another organizer “promises them for profitable salary”, Coppinger said.
It’s hard to imagine that they can make more money than Turki paid. They reportedly made $10 million in two battles in Riyadh. Russia is the motherland of Bivol and Beterbiev.
Bivol (24-1, 12 KO) still lives there. So, for him, it makes sense to hope it is at home. He didn’t have to go to Riyadh for the trilogy.
Bivol’s IBF Title Risk
The IBF mandatory will provide BIVOL for challenger Michael Eifert. Bivol has been stripped of his WBC title earlier this year when he chose not to defend against his compulsory David Benavidez. If he doesn’t defend against Eifert, he probably won’t do that, and he might be deprived.
Bivol will still have two waistbands to prevent Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOS) from performing trilogy. Given the popularity of both fighters and their achievements, it doesn’t matter that neither of their third battle has a dangerous title. Fans still want to see them fight, especially in their home country, Russia.
Fan Fatigue and Trilogy
Our boxing fans want to see Beterbiev and Bivol fight each other and give others a chance. It’s not interesting for people to see the same fighter three times in a row with others in between. The trilogy match is OK, but when the battles happen continuously.
David Benavidez has the chance to challenge Bivol as a mandatory position for the belt. However, instead of defending him, Biwall chose not to fight him and forced the WBC to strip him. Some fans believe that Biwall is afraid of losing to Benavidez because he is a high-voltage fighter and has problems with these types.
Last updated on July 4, 20125
