IBF - Beterbiev made mandatory for Ward

[Beanz]

"The International Boxing Federation has confirmed that light heavyweight contender Artur Beterbiev (11-0, 11 KOs) is about to become the mandatory challenger to IBF world champion Andre Ward (31-0, 15 KOs).

BoxingScene.com reported on Tuesday that Beterbiev was about to get the mandatory position, by default, because of the boxer's tough task insecuring an opponent for a final eliminator.

The six top-ranked contenders, including Beterbiev, have until March 23 at 5 pm to agree to take part in the IBF's final eliminator. The other boxers include Sergey Kovalev, Erik Skoglund, Enrico Kölling, Dominic Bösel and Robert Stieglitz....."


IBF: If Nobody Agrees, Beterbiev Will Face Ward-Kovalev Winner - Boxing News

[Master]

These are tough fights for the winner of Ward v Kov and I have the feeling that Ward does not have the appetite to these big light heavyweights whereas Kov loves to smash anyone in his path.

Kov would love to fight Beterbiev to get some revenge.

[erics44]

yeah Kov Beterbiev is one to watch innit, fuckin el

[wanderingfighter]

Both Ward and Kovalev beat Beterbiev under modern boxing rules. Probably easier than most think. I just think that at the world class level today you need more than power. IMO Beterbiev's career gets derailed if he fights either of those two boxers.

[Alpha]

Lets get the Ward/ Kovalov rematch set so we can look forward to the winner facing Beterbiev. It's a pity no one wanted to face Artur in an eliminator.

[powerpuncher]

Ward needs to give kov a rematch first. Then the winner can fight beterbiev

[Spicoli]

It would be easier to take the alphabet boys serious if they kept these "not rated" slots out of the rating just for a scenario like this. How about ordering a fight and dropping the fighter and team from top 10 if they refuse? Simple but it's like letting the inmates run the asylum now. I think Beterbiev needs some work before stepping in with either really.

[Alpha]

It would be easier to take the alphabet boys serious if they kept these "not rated" slots out of the rating just for a scenario like this. How about ordering a fight and dropping the fighter and team from top 10 if they refuse? Simple but it's like letting the inmates run the asylum now. I think Beterbiev needs some work before stepping in with either really.

Well said. If you are offered an eliminator and refuse (not due to injury etc) you should be dropped out of the top 15.

[Spicoli]

It would be easier to take the alphabet boys serious if they kept these "not rated" slots out of the rating just for a scenario like this. How about ordering a fight and dropping the fighter and team from top 10 if they refuse? Simple but it's like letting the inmates run the asylum now. I think Beterbiev needs some work before stepping in with either really.

Well said. If you are offered an eliminator and refuse (not due to injury etc) you should be dropped out of the top 15.

Crazy when you think about it, the top 10 should all be eliminators. Who wouldn't love the job security of someone who never faces performance evaluations but still gets promoted .

[Alpha]

It would be easier to take the alphabet boys serious if they kept these "not rated" slots out of the rating just for a scenario like this. How about ordering a fight and dropping the fighter and team from top 10 if they refuse? Simple but it's like letting the inmates run the asylum now. I think Beterbiev needs some work before stepping in with either really.

Well said. If you are offered an eliminator and refuse (not due to injury etc) you should be dropped out of the top 15.

Crazy when you think about it, the top 10 should all be eliminators. Who wouldn't love the job security of someone who never faces performance evaluations but still gets promoted .

Boxing really is a weird sport isn't it.

[Ron Swanson]

So you all know Koelling accepted the eliminator fight.

[Alpha]

So you all know Koelling accepted the eliminator fight.

Thanks, didn't know that. Must have happened recently. He must have had a change of heart because I thought he turned it down a few months back.