Until recently, the absolute light heavyweight world champion Artur Beterbiev rejected the idea of ​​sharing the ring with Dmitry Bivol for the second time. Their first match ended in victory for BTR by majority decision, after which many fans and experts demanded revenge, and the losing team even filed an appeal. But Arthur did not want to take risks and looked for easier fights, challenging even boxer-blogger Jake Paul.

However, Beterbiev’s opinion has changed dramatically in recent days, and now the two Russians are closer than ever to a rematch. Even the preliminary date of their new fight became known the day before.

Lured by money?

After the controversial judge’s verdict, only the lazy did not ask Beterbiev about a second meeting with Bivol. The champion refused more than once, because a second victory over an opponent who was left without belts would not give Arthur anything in terms of legacy, but the risk of defeat remains high due to the significant age difference. Arthur will be 40 in January, and Dmitry will only turn 34 a month earlier.

– In my opinion, there is little point in talking about revenge. Of course, if an interesting proposal comes in, we will consider it. But is there any compelling reason for a return fight? Everything was clear and precise,” Beterbiev said in an interview with RT a month ago.

“An interesting offer,” apparently, has been received. First, BTR suddenly asked the fans’ opinions on their social networks, writing: “Is revenge necessary?” And a little later, authoritative journalist Dan Rafael reported that on February 22 (just almost four months after the first fight), the main confrontation in the history of Russian boxing could be continued.

The journalist noted that on this day the grand tournament The Riyadh Season will be held in Saudi Arabia. The main event will be a heavyweight championship fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. The event will be organized by the Chairman of the General Authority of Entertainment Affairs in Saudi Arabia, Turki Al Al-Sheikh.

“Sources spoke about preparations for The Riyadh Season, including the defense of the undisputed light heavyweight championship by Artur Beterbiev in an immediate rematch against Dmitry Bivol,” Rafael wrote on his website.

Arthur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol / Photo: © Richard Pelham / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

For such a high-profile event, the sheikhs certainly do not skimp on fees for the participants. It was the money question, as we now understand, that was decisive in Beterbiev’s decision to give Bivol a rematch or not.

It turns out that Arthur is ready to put four championship belts and a perfect record with zero losses on the line for the sake of a fat contract. Beterbiev can lose everything, but earn decent money and, most importantly, show fans the real art of boxing for the second time together with Bivol. On the other hand, Arthur has a chance to get another victory and significantly improve his financial situation.

In any case, Russian fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the rematch.