Initially, Beterbiev was supposed to cross gloves in the fall with Fanlong Meng, who is the official contender for the IBF belt. A boxer from China, due to travel restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic, would have trouble returning to his country after visiting Russia, and he gave up his chance to win the championship.
On the October evening, a WBO light heavyweight eliminator was also appointed between Umar Salamov (25-1, 19 KOs) and Maxim Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs). The winner of this fight will contest the vacant world title against Joe Smith. It is not yet known whether this battle will be postponed as well.