Bob Arum is angry. The Top Rank boss is unhappy with IBF’s latest move. The sanctioning body took a step that might stand in the way of the much-anticipated rematch with Dmitry Bivol. Arum’s disappointment stems from IBF’s latest instruction. They want Artur Beterbiev to defend their title against the mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. Had he continued as a unified champion, it would have been a normal course of action. But his becoming the division’s undisputed champion seems to have altered the equation.

A week ago, at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, the Russian Canadian champion won the tough duel against Dmitry Bivol by a majority decision. Ever since talks about a rematch have been doing the rounds. Unhappy with the match decision, Bivol’s team reportedly filed a complaint and has sought an immediate rematch. Then talks of high-profile lineups, such as one with Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez, have also emerged. So why should the pound-for-pound lister be forced to chase a relatively unknown fighter like Eifert? As he usually does, Bob Arum didn’t mince words while expressing his displeasure.

This isn’t to my liking

“It’s totally insane,” the veteran promoter told ‘Uncrowned Combat’. Emphasizing how most of the promotions put in a lot of effort to ensure one of their champions becomes an undisputed champion, Bob Arum sounded particularly unhappy with the actions taken at IBF’s end. “It’s like a burden to be undisputed. I mean, the idea that you have to fight some non-entity to keep your title after you’ve won the biggest fight of your career seems crazy to me,” he said. “It’s like a burden to be undisputed. I mean, the idea that you have to fight some non-entity to keep your title after you’ve won the biggest fight of your career seems crazy to me.”

Considering the stage where Artur Beterbiev stands now, Arum highlighted how a fight against the German challenger, who boasts a record of 13 wins against a single loss, doesn’t hold much value. However, had the mandatory been against someone of David Benavidez’s caliber, then the situation might have been different, he stressed.

One alternate to the conundrum could be advising Beterbiev to voluntarily vacate the belt—like Oleksandr Usyk did a few months ago. But then the Russian Canadian champion might feel bad given how much he sacrificed to reach the top echelons of boxing. Pointing at IBF to reconsider their regulations, Bob Arum said, “This is ludicrous. They say, ‘Well, these are our rules.’ Well, change the f**king rules.”

Artur Beterbiev: Lest the chances go to waste

Bob Arum’s anger is understandable. With Riyadh Season Head His Excellency Turki Alalshikh also expressing a strong interest in a Bivol-Beterbiev rematch, opportunities for lucrative paydays and legacy-building fights have seemingly surfaced. More so, Beterbiev will turn forty in January. There’s no surety for how long he would continue in the sport.

At the same time, it becomes imperative to clarify: per several reports, IBF appears open to allowing Artur Beterbiev to run it back with Dmitry Bivol. According to a piece on Sky Sport, the sanctioning body’s board of directors might be willing to ‘consider an exception request from Beterbiev’.

Artur Beterbiev commenced his world champion journey with a vacant IBF title seven years ago. Fans will be keenly watching as the drama in the light heavyweight division unfolds in the coming weeks.

What is your personal view on the situation? Should Artur Beterbiev honor the mandatory challenge first or first address the likely rematch with Dmitry Bivol?