Beterbiev Pulls Out Of The Bivol Clash Following A Knee Injury

Artur Beterbeiv’s knee injury has postponed the Undisputed Light Heavyweight clash with Dmitry Bivol. 

According to reports, Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus knee, meaning he cannot make the June 1 date. However, there is still hope that the fight will occur by the year’s end. Both fighters were in good form following their last fights. Beterbiev stopped Callum Smith, while Bivol secured a unanimous decision win over Lyndon Arthur. Bivol will not let the injury unsettle him, with reports that he will still fight on the card. 

Beterbiev’s Injury Record

The opponent is not clear. However, it is vital that Bivol remains active since he has only fought once since beating Zurdo Ramirez in 2022. Both fighters have struggled with injury of late. Beterbiev was initially meant to fight Callum Smith on August 19 last year. However, he withdrew following a bone infection in his jaw. This occurred after undergoing root canal treatment, as the bout went ahead in January this year instead. 

“It’s a few months later than originally planned, but I am thrilled that Artur Beterbiev will have a chance to defend his titles in front of the incredible Quebec City fans. Artur has a clean bill of health, and I know Callum, a supremely talented former champion, will be at his best on January 13th,” Bob Arum said

Bivol’s Injury Record

Bivol also suffered an injury before his comeback win against Arthur. Following his biggest win over Canelo Alvarez, Bivol failed to kick on. He beat Zudro Ramirez in 2022. However, he struggled to get an opponent for a full year based on injury and bouts failing to get made. Alvarez wanted the rematch at 175 pounds, while Bivol wanted it at 168 for the chance to win Canelo’s undisputed title. Then a hand injury prevented Bivol from fighting after the Ramirez bout until December last year. 

“He had a hand injury. He was ready to fight [in] November. We are looking at December, but more than likely first or second week of January. It is disappointing as we have [offered the Bivol fight] to a lot of contenders, who just go ‘no, unless we are going to get a load of money we don’t want to fight him. And what that means is we can’t beat him, and I understand that, but you would like people to roll the dice a little bit more,” Hearn stated 

With all the belts on the line, it is vital that Beterbiev takes his time to heal properly. The boxer is already 39-years-old, leaving no room for error. He is undefeated with a 20– record, with all wins by way of KO. If he secures the Bivol victory, he will go down as the best light heavyweight of this era and a pound-for-pound great. That may be enough for Beterbiev to retire from the sport since he is in the latter part of his career. While Bivol will have his own desire to stop that, boxing fans will have to wait for now. 

Rest Of The Card

Deontay Wilder vs. Zhelei Zhang – Heavyweight

Filip Hrgovic vs. Daniel Dubois – Heavyweight

Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball – Featherweight

Austin Williams vs. Hamzah Sheeraz – Middleweight

Craig Richards vs. Willy Hutchinson – Light heavyweight