Poison scandal rocks Beterbiev vs Bivol card as world title fight is called off just days before Saudi event

THE ARTUR BETERBIEV vs Dmitry Bivol show has been hit by a world title pull-out.

Floyd Schofield was supposed to challenge super-talent and lightweight world champ Shakur Stevenson on Saturday night in Riyadh.

But – after a bizarre rumour spread on Twitter that Schofield was poisoned – he failed to show for the arrivals tonight.

The 22-year-old had initially showed up to Saudi Arabia and did all the Monday media, but then vanished on Tuesday and no-showed for the grand arrivals

The pair were set to throw hands in a battle for the WBC World Lightweight Championship.

But will no longer be able to take to the ring as a result of the bizarre circumstances.

Leaked messages reportedly from Schofield’s dad, Floy Schofield Sr, accused unnamed people of poisoning his son.

A text sent to Schofield Sr was leaked online, reading: “This isn’t something to take lightly Sr. I’m not trying to play no games.

“I got love for y’all and looking out, but they spiked your son”.

Reports claim that a screenshot of the message was then shared online by Schofield Sr.

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Quick thinking Queensberry staff are working to find a last-minute replacement for American three-weight ace Stevenson.

But the card remains one of the most stacked and exciting in modern boxing times.

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol headline the fight night that will also see Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker throw hands for the IBF World Heavyweight Championship.

Matchroom, who represent Stevenson, have been approached for comment.

Schofield had spoken to the media earlier in the week, previewing the fight, and showed no signs of wanting to back out at the time,

Speaking to TalkSPORT, he said: “It’s a very huge opportunity. I’m ready to take the opportunity by storm.

“I’m just going to go out there and do my best”.

Despite the news, Eddie Hearn believed the fight will still go ahead.

He said: “He’s [Schofield] is getting ready for the check-weight tomorrow. That’s why I believe he’s not here tonight.

“That’s a question for Golden Boy [Schofield’s promotor], not for Eddie Hearn. Shakur Stevenson will be hear tonight.”

Probed on if the fight is in any jeopardy, he added: “No. Not that I believe, no. I mean, we spoke to Golden Boy earlier and not that we believe – no.”

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk