A HUGE spanner has potentially been thrown into the works of a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.
The Russian duo went to war for all the light-heavyweight marbles in a memorable Riyadh rumble last weekend.
Chechen clubber Beterbiev was crowned the undisputed king of 175-pounders after 12 gruelling rounds, although many believe he was gifted the decision.
Boxing fans around the world called for an immediate rematch following Beterbiev’s coronation, which came courtesy of 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112 scorecards.
But the IBF have thrown a spanner into the works of what would be another mouthwatering affair.
The American sanctioning body has ruled that Beterbiev MUST fight the mandatory challenger for his red strap next.
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They have ordered the 39-year-old to fight 13-1 German Michael Eifert.
Under IBF regulations, Beterbiev will have to reach a deal to face Eifert within 30 days or risk being STRIPPED of the belt.
So a potential rematch with Bivol, who has submitted an appeal over the result of last weekend’s bout, likely WON’T be an undisputed affair.
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There are parallels with the quandary Oleksandr Usyk found himself in after winning his undisputed heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury in May.
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Usyk, however, opted against rematching mandatory IBF challenger Daniel Dubois and vacated the belt.
Former IBO and WBA light-heavyweight king Bivol was crestfallen after hearing veteran announcer Michael Buffer announce Beterbiev as the winner of their showdown.
He told Sky Sports: “I feel empty emotionally now. I went to the ring only to win this fight but I don’t have my belt.”
When pressed on a potential rematch, he added: “If I have this chance of course I would like to fight again.”
Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh believes Bivol was denied a clear victory and will do everything in his power to make a rematch come to fruition.
He told The Stomping Ground: “This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think.
“But I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion.
“The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more.
“I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
