The highly anticipated undisputed matchup between Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol has been called off. Beterbiev has reportedly ruptured his meniscus Turki Alalshikh announced on his twitter that Artur was injured. Mike Coppinger then provided some details that Artur’s meniscus was ruptured. This unfortunate news has meant a postponement to the highly anticipated fight.
At age 39 almost 40 Artur Beterbiev is no stranger to injuries. Beterbiev has previously had knee injuries and a jaw infection. However, a ruptured meniscus is nothing to scoff at. The meniscus is a bit of cartilage acting as a shock absorber in the knee and tearing this can really hinder mobility. However, it’s not something that can’t be healed with time and physiotherapy. But, at this point in his career an injury like this could cause serious damage. Artur does utilise movement well and this injury could hinder that if not healed properly.
The recovery process could take 6-8 weeks without surgery depending on severity. This certainly means the fight will be delayed until the latter half of this year for Artur to be fully recovered. September or later seems realistic but this all depends on severity. This definitely harms Beterbiev’s chances if the fight ends up being made again coming off an injury and losing some of the momentum of being recently active.
Artur Beterbiev Ruptures His Meniscus
His excellency in the same Tweet announced that the card the “5v5 event is still on for June 1st”. This is great news as it means we’re still getting what is a very good card. It’s also good news for the other fighters on the card as it doesn’t delay them unlike when Usyk vs Fury was postponed. This also means that the search begins for Bivol to have a new opponent.
Unfortunately for Bivol the most entertaining match ups are all booked up. David Benavidez is booked against former unified 175lb world champ Gvozdyk June 15th for the interim WBC 175 title. David Morrell is also booked up facing Radivoje Kalajdzic for the regular WBA world title at 175lbs on August 3rd. However, a potential Canelo rematch isn’t completely off the table.
Canelo is fighting Jaime Mungia this Saturday and if he wins could be an option. Canelo has and still desires a rematch to avenge his loss at the hands of Bivol. The issues is this would be a very quick turnaround for Canelo and may not want to have the risk that comes with that. Canelo ideally wants a full training camp to take on Bivol but if the Saudi’s throw enough money at him he could accept. Also, Canelo being able to fight also depends on the outcome of this fight not only a victory but a victory where he takes little to no damage to make such a quick turnaround.
Regardless of who Bivol will be given a replacement opponent that he can beat so the Beterbiev fight remains open. Let us know who you think will be Beterbiev’s replacement?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
