The card for the rescheduled Beterbiev vs Bivol undisputed fight has now been announced. The shown down between the kings of 175lbs was supposed to be June 1st headlining the Matchroom vs Queensberry 5v5. However, Beterbiev had to pull out after suffering an injury to his knee rupturing his meniscus. Following this Bivol stayed on the card fighting a replacement while Beterbiev got surgery and recovered. However, the fight will now be taking place October 12th with a solid undercard announced by Turki Alalshik.
The undercard although not stacked as other recent cards headed by Turki Alalshik the card is very solid and promises to be good. The main event of course speaks for itself Beterbiev vs Bivol for unidputed at 175lbs. Beterbiev the technical destroyer and Bivol the speedy technician finally facing off. This fight will finally decide who is the best at light heavyweight.
The Top-Half of the Undercard
The co-main is Shakur Stevenson vs Joe Cordina for Stevenson’s WBC title at 135lbs. Stevenson isn’t exactly known for his exciting performances preferring to stay on the outside and outbox his opponents. Stevenson is also quite low output. However the right opponent may be able to drag an exciting performance out of him. His opponent is former IBF world champion at 130lbs Joe Cordina. Cordina was dethroned by Anthony Cacace last time out in a thrilling fight.
The supporting fight is Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil Szeremeta. The brash flashy Brit Eubank will have been out for more than a year by the time the fight takes place. Last time out Eubank avenged his recent loss to Liam Smith by scoring a 10th round tko in an impressive performance. However, it should be noted Smith seemed noticeably different going from their first fight to the rematch. Kamil is a relatively obscure fighter who has lost to any good competition he’s faced such as GGG and Mungia. Why this fight is so far up the card is a mystery.
Up next is probably what should have been the co-main event or at least the supporting fight the rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazier Clarke. The first fight was an absolute banger with Clarke dominating the 1st half and Wardley clawing his way back in the 2nd half . The first fight was ruled a draw and this fight looks to establish a winner. Clarke is the more technical having the amateur experience and a Olympic Bronze medallist. Wardley is more of a brawler and the more athletic of the 2 and fighting with great grit.
The Bottom-Half of the Undercard
Another fight which should have been higher up the bill is Jai Opetaia defending his IBF title at cruiserweight vs Jack Massey. Opetaia is the clear number one at cruiserweight with great power, explosiveness, athleticism, and ferocity. He is seemingly being avoided by the other champions and thus has opted to defend against Jack Massey. Massey is coming off a win against Isaac Chamberlain and is a decent name at cruiserweight.
Ben Whittaker vs Liam Cameron is under Opetaia vs Massey and is for Whittaker’s IBF international title. Whittaker is another brash Brit on the card who has a very showboat heavy style. Whittaker has received mixed reception with his fight antics some finding it distasteful and other enjoying it. Despite the antics Whittaker is a well decorated amateur and Olympic silver medallist who shouldn’t be dismissed as a prospect. Cameron is a journeyman at light heavyweight and is a decent test for Whittaker.
Under this is the first women’s fight to be on the Mr Alalshik’s shows Skye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman. Skye is defending her featherweight WBC title against up and comer Chapman. Nicolson had an extensive amateur career falling just short in some major competitions. In contrast Champman had an overall losing record in the amateurs.
And the first fight of the night is Mohammed Alakel vs Jesus Gonzalez. Alakel is making his professional debut and has no amateur experience. Gonzalez is 3-2 losing his last fight by TKO in round 2.
Overall this undercard is very solid and should be quite entertaining. There are some fights which may not be that good but are made up for by other fights on this card and of course that excellent main event.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
