Undefeated light-heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KO’s) has been forced to withdraw from his slated November 28 bout as the Russian suffered a shoulder injury last week.
Beterbiev was expected to compete at the Centre Videotron venue in Quebec City, Quebec, but after consulting with a doctor Tuesday morning, it was discovered that the injury was severe enough that surgery was required.
“Under my supervision, Artur had a magnetic resonance examination Friday,” Dr. Fontaine said. “After a meeting this morning, we have decided that Artur’s surgery performed in the next few days by specialist Dr. Baillargeon. We expect a complete recovery followed by a return to the ring at the beginning of 2016.
“I am extremely frustrated and disappointed by the situation” Beterbiev added after receiving the news. “I was preparing myself hard to give another great show to the fans, November 28, but I will be back stronger in 2016.”
According to GYM president Yvon Michel, Beterbiev’s promoter, his fighter is expected to commence rehab four days after surgery under the close eye of physiotherapist Hugo Lettre, from Evolution Physio in Quebec.
There are five Evolution Physios located within the country.
“We have absolute confidence in our medical staff, including the talented Dr. Baillargeon,” Michel stated. “This is the same doctor that saved the shoulder, which was in a really worse state, and the career of Jean Pascal, in January 2010. Seven months later, Jean defended his title belt in spectacular fashion against Chad Dawson.”
Beterbiev, the IBF No. 2 ranked challenger, was offered a fight with champion Sergey Kovalev, also on November 28, in Moscow, but opted against it because voluntary challengers make considerably less money than a mandatory challenger would.
As a result, Beterbiev was searching for an opponent that would be willing to risk it. IBF No. 8 ranked contender Sullivan Barrera, an undefeated boxer from Cuba, was the only man willing to take him on, but after Barrera had run into visa issues, Beterbiev was forced to look elsewhere.
We will look forward to seeing Beterbiev when 2016 comes before us.
– Ryan O’Hara @OHaraSports
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