The Championship Fight Between Bivol and Beterbiev Has Been Disrupted. What's Next?

As sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the unexpected cancellation due to Beterbiev's knee injury serves as a reminder of the ever-present element of uncertainty in sports. Such unforeseen events highlight the importance of staying updated with reliable sportsbook ratings for making informed betting decisions, ensuring enthusiasts are always prepared for any outcome in the volatile world of sports betting. More about this can be found through sportsbook ratings. What follows is a deeper look into the implications of this disruption and what the future holds for both fighters and their fans.

A fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol for the title of absolute world champion in the flyweight division was planned for June 1 in Saudi Arabia. But it will not take place because of Beterbiev's knee injury.

5-on-5 Tournament for June 1 not Canceled - Bivol is Looking for a New Opponent

Sad news from the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al Al-Sheikh:

“After the news we received about Beterbiev's injury, we are postponing the fight with Bivol until later this year. I wish my brother Artur a speedy recovery. But the 5-on-5 tournament (we told you about it here) is still on for June 1.”

Three months ago, Tyson Fury scrapped his fight with Alexander Usik two weeks before the tournament due to a cut suffered in sparring. But unlike Fury, Al Al-Sheikh said nothing about possible sanctions if something similar happened to Beterbiev or Bivol.

Promoting company Top Rank added that Beterbiev suffered a torn meniscus during training and confirmed plans to reschedule the fight later in the year.

ESPN insider Mike Coppinger reported that Beterbiev will undergo surgery and will be out until at least September. He confirmed that Al Al-Sheikh is looking for his replacement for the June 1 fight against Bivol.

Beterbiev is 39 Years Old - His Fourth Injury in the Last Four Years

Beterbiev has fought five fights since 2020 but has been withdrawn four times due to injury. He injured his shoulder before his fight with Adam Daines, suffered osteomyelitis that forced the fight with Callum Smith to be pushed back to 2024 and had a unification bout with Joe Smith Jr. in 2022 with an injury before undergoing surgery and returning to the ring six months later. The nature of that injury is still unknown.

Now he has a torn meniscus - most likely the most serious injury of his career. Doctor Artem Ryzhenko told on the example of soccer players that a meniscus tear can be treated without surgery. But it depends on the tear area - in Beterbiev's case, we are probably talking about the red zone, which is very serious. Beterbiev turned 39 this year, and his physical deterioration has only progressed.

It is most likely not discomfort but osteoarthritis that has progressed under constant strain. If he undergoes surgery soon, rehabilitation will be up to three months or could last even longer. We admire how Beterbiev is cheating age with three belts at 39, but this is what the downside of professional boxing and training to the max looks like.