BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The highly anticipated showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol is set to take place on October 12th in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with ESPN+ broadcasting the 12-round headliner. However, what makes this event unique is the fact that while ESPN+ will showcase the main event, the rest of the card will be aired on a different network. This broadcasting arrangement has raised eyebrows within the boxing community, leaving many fans puzzled and anticipating how the logistics will unfold.
IBF, WBC, and WBO light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) will be stepping into the ring against WBA champion Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) in what is being touted as a true 50-50 matchup. The oddsmakers may have Bivol as the favorite, but hardcore boxing enthusiasts view this fight as evenly poised. Bivol, who has not faced anyone of Beterbiev’s caliber before, has shown vulnerability in previous bouts against lesser opponents. The clash promises high-octane action and suspense as both fighters put their titles and unbeaten records on the line.
While the main event garners attention, the undercard has been plagued by controversy, particularly the PPV portion priced at $14.99. Shakur Stevenson defending his WBA lightweight title against Joe Cordina has received backlash from fans, with many expressing reluctance to purchase the PPV. Shakur’s recent performances have raised questions about his entertainment value, and facing an opponent like Cordina, who was knocked out in his last fight, has added fuel to the fire. The decision to sell this undercard on PPV has stirred a debate within the boxing community about ethics and fan satisfaction.
The announcement of the Shakur-Cordina PPV segment has sparked a wave of discontent among boxing fans on social media platforms. Despite the affordable price point, fans are voicing their displeasure over the perceived lack of competitiveness and entertainment value in this matchup. The reluctance to support this undercard reflects a growing trend among viewers who demand higher quality and significance in the fights they pay to watch. Whether the promoters will heed this backlash and reconsider their approach remains to be seen.
The undercard for the PPV section of the event boasts an array of talented fighters, including Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Kamil Szeremeta, Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke II, Jai Opetaia vs. Jack Massey, Skye Nicolson vs. Raven Chapman, and Mohammed Alamel vs. Jose Gonzalez. While these matchups offer potential excitement, the overshadowing controversy surrounding the main event and PPV undercard serves as a distraction and calls into question the overall integrity of the event.
The upcoming Beterbiev vs. Bivol fight night is marred by unconventional broadcasting decisions and contentious undercard matchups. The clash between the two light heavyweight champions promises fireworks, but the surrounding controversies have cast a shadow over the event’s overall appeal. As fans and analysts eagerly await the outcome of this high-stakes showdown, the reverberations of these controversies may have a lasting impact on the future of boxing broadcasting and promotion.
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