Beterbiev won by majority decision in October to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Now, he'll defend those titles against Bivol in a quick turnaround for both men.
The card was meant to feature three other world title fights, but that's changed. The Ring reports that WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson's title defense against Floyd Schofield won't happen. Schofield has pulled out due to illness.
Organizers are now looking for a replacement opponent for Stevenson. Josh Padley and Moussa Gholam are among the names being considered. We'll know more about Stevenson's participation and potential opponent within the next 24 hours.
Promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to IFL TV about the situation. He explained a unique rule from the British Boxing Board of Control that's causing issues:
"I don't represent Floyd Schofield, what I believe is one of the issues, and I'll be completely honest, it's a bit of a pain. The BBBofC operate the events out here, they have a very strict rule on a check weight on the Wednesday of fight week."
This rule isn't common in other major boxing commissions. Many international fighters don't know about it until they arrive in the UK. Hearn continued:
"Basically, and this is where I think it's a bad policy, is fighters are focusing on making that weight for the check weight, then rehydrating after the check weight, and then they're going forward to another weigh-in two days later."
Hearn thinks this policy might explain why Schofield missed the grand arrivals. He said:
"He doesn't want to be coming to the Grand Arrivals saying 'hello everybody.' He's getting ready for the check weight tomorrow. That's why I believe he's not here tonight."
The situation is still developing. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available about Stevenson's fight and the rest of the card.