The IBF has ordered Artur Beterbiev to begin negotiating a compulsory defence of his world title towards Germany’s Michael Eifert – however would contemplate an exception if he desires to rematch Dmitry Bivol.
Bivol’s authorized staff have despatched a request to the IBF – and boxing’s different governing our bodies – for a rematch after Saturday’s controversial split-decision defeat to new undisputed light-heavyweight champion Beterbiev in Riyadh.
And the IBF has confirmed to Sky Sports activities that its board of administrators would contemplate an exception request from Beterbiev, regardless of ordering negotiations for a compulsory defence earlier this week.
Another choice for Beterbiev could be to relinquish the IBF belt – as Oleksandr Usyk did in June forward of his rematch with Tyson Fury – and battle Bivol once more for the remaining titles, however the newest improvement retains alive the opportunity of one other contest for the undisputed crown.
Beterbiev edged out Bivol on a majority determination to win the undisputed light-heavyweight world championship after 12 rounds of boxing on the highest stage.
That end result noticed Beterbiev unify Bivol’s WBA title with the IBF, WBO and WBC championships he already held.
Following the contentious battle, Bivol shortly known as for a rematch.
“If I have this chance of course I would like to fight again,” he stated.
However, defeated for the primary time in his skilled profession, he declined to dwell on the results of Saturday’s battle. “I don’t think about did I win or did I lose,” Bivol stated. “I have to do everything perfect.
“From my aspect I am attempting to do all the things excellent, all the things superb. However I did not.
“I’m trying to forget about it and move forward now.”
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Eddie Hearn was adamant that Dmitry Bivol ought to have received the battle towards Artur Beterbiev and believes there needs to be a rematch.
Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn is satisfied his fighter merited that call.
“Dmitry Bivol should be undisputed champion,” Hearn informed Sky Sports activities. “He deserves it. It was a boxing masterclass.
“You do not should work your entire life to get to that second, carry out like that and get it taken away.
“To offer Dmitry Bivol 4 rounds of that 12-round battle – that decide ought to by no means work once more.
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Anthony Yarde might not agree with the 116 to 112 scoring from the Beterbiev Bivol battle, however he agrees Beterbiev deserved to win.
“No disrespect to Beterbiev because he’s a tremendous fighter, and I loved that fight, it was like the ultimate boxing fight. I was just fascinated by it.
“They informed him, on the printed, within the tenth spherical: ‘You must knock him out to win this battle’.
“So let’s see the rematch.”
Adam Azim will battle Ohara Davies on the Copper Field Area in London on Saturday October 19, dwell on Sky Sports activities. Stream boxing and extra with NOW
