The IBF has cast its iron will on Artur Beterbiev. The sanctioning body has decided to enforce its mandatory challenger, Michael Eiffert, and fix the undisputed champion’s next fight. This has the fans up in the arms, as they wanted the rematch with Dmitry Bivol.

Ever since the fight between Beterbiev, 39, and Bivol, 33, ended with a controversial decision, the fans and all the stakeholders have demanded a rematch. For many, it seemed a logical move. But not the IBF, as they have done it a third time this year.

IBF determines Artur Beterbiev’s next fight

Boxing insider Rick Glaser turned to his X-handle and shared the recent update. In addition, he batted for a change in how the undisputed champion’s next fight is decided. He wrote, “Undisputed Champ #ArturBeterbiev has been ordered by the #IBF to next face Germany’s 13-1 Michael Eifert. Another example of why the IBF needs to change their obsoleted behind the times rules. When there’s an Undisputed Champ, you should have to do 2 Eliminatiors to be Mandatory.”

Interestingly, if the ordered fight goes down, Beterbiev might not be able to fight other high-profile fighters. The list of suitors currently involves Bivol, David Benavidez, and even Canelo Alvarez. This didn’t go well with the fans, as they will be robbed of another fight octane fight and blasted the IBF for its decision.

Fans shun down IBF’s decision to block Dmitry Bivol’s rematch

A fan believed the IBF made the call to secure a deal with HE Turki Alalshikh. He declared, “IBF is a disgrace, they want a piece of the Turki.” The Saudi adviser has helped stage the big fights recently, including Beterbiev vs. Bivol and, as he is keen to make the rematch, he might spill some cash to make his happen again.

A user urged for an immediate rematch between Beterbiev vs. Bivol. They commented, “This is BS AB should have an immediate rematch against Bivol.” The scorecards read 115-113, 116-112, and 114-114, and this wide discrepancy has prompted calls for Beterbiev vs. Bivol. Besides, the closely fought nature of the fight gives strength to the demands.

Someone pointed out Errol Spence Jr.‘s reign as an IBF champion. They noted, “And how many mandos Spence faced as the IBF champ, like one in 6 years right 😂.” Spence Jr. made only one IBF mandatory defense, a first-round KO of fringe contender Carlos Ocampo in June 2018 while he was the IBF champion from 2017 until 2023, when he met Terence Crawford in 2023.

A comment concurred with Glaser. The comment read, “Yup Rick is correct again. IBF is being lame.” IBF has already stripped Oleksandr Usyk, ‘Bud’, and Alvarez this year, ending short their undisputed reign. It seems Beterbiev might be next in the line.

Lastly, a fan also criticized the IBF for taking away the allure of the undisputed champions, especially Alvarez. They said, “IBF is dogsh-t, they constantly f-ck over the fighters and fans. Canelo would have been 2x Undisputed if it weren’t for their stupidity, and this is just another example of it.” Alvarez held the super middleweight undisputed champion from 2021 after winning all the straps until this year when the IBF ordered him to fight against William Scull, and the Mexican champion decided to pursue a fight with Edgar Berlanga.

What do you make of this development concerning Artur Beterbiev? Do you believe it was the right call by IBF? Let us know in the comments below.