During a recent interview with IFL TV, promoter Eddie Hearn discussed the upcoming light heavyweight unification battle between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, scheduled for October 12 in Riyadh. Hearn hinted at a “really good undercard,” following the trend of high-quality undercards that have become synonymous with events backed by Saudi financiers. The consistent delivery of value-for-money cards has raised the bar for boxing fans worldwide.
With anticipation building for the October 12 card, fans have already begun speculating about the potential matchups. One rumored bout is the heavyweight rematch between Frazer Clarke and Fabio Wardley, which could add excitement to the undercard. Additionally, there is speculation about the inclusion of a second ‘Five Vs. Five’ fight, building on the success of a previous Queensbury vs. Matchroom rivalry event. The announcement of the finalized undercard is eagerly awaited, with expectations of yet another stacked lineup.
Despite the consistent delivery of high-quality cards, there remains a faction of fans who criticize Turki Alalshikh and his team for their involvement in the sport. The question arises – why the resistance to the influx of great fights and entertainment? The trend of exceptional undercards and main events should ideally be celebrated, yet some individuals seem difficult to please.
As the spotlight remains on the main event clash between Beterbiev and Bivol, questions arise about the impact of Beterbiev’s inactivity on his performance. Will the younger, fresher Bivol capitalize on his opponent’s rustiness, or will Beterbiev’s knockout power once again prove decisive? The buildup to this highly anticipated showdown suggests that the wait will be worth it for boxing enthusiasts worldwide.