It would be crazy if Artur Beterbiev tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, right? We would have another Ryan Garcia situation on our hands, especially with Dmitry Bivol eager for a rematch. Well, the VADA results for the Beterbiev vs. Bivol undisputed clash earlier this month have just hit the internet. 

Beterbiev, the new undisputed light heavyweight champion, defeated the former WBA champion in a closely contested fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—in a controversial decision that left many screaming robbery. The scorecard from Judge Pawel Kardyni was especially scrutinized for scoring the fight 112-116 in Beterbiev’s favor. 

Now, the 33-year-old is vying for an immediate rematch to avenge his first career loss, and potentially writing his name in boxing history by becoming undisputed. Meanwhile, VADA turned to X late yesterday to reveal that both boxers have cleared their tests with no hiccups. “Congratulations to @ABeterbiev @bivol_d for successfully completing @Vada_Testing through their Oct. 12th bout.” 

This clears the path to their potential rematch, but even there some complications, especially for Bivol, become evident. As it turns out, the IBF has ordered Beterbiev to begin negotiations with the mandatory challenger, German Michael Eifert. However, Dmitry Bivol, for his part, has sent a letter to all the sanctioning bodies to make a special exception for his rematch. 

Luckily for Bivol, the IBF is not averse to the idea of an immediate rematch and has claimed they would be open to making a one-time exception. Still, in case this rematch does happen, it will likely be part of the Riyadh Season, which is where problems begin. The Riyadh Season typically runs from October all the way to March. 

So, the rematch will now have to wait for next October or later. While His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has hosted fights outside of the date and in other venues, Beterbiev’s promoter and Top Rank honcho, Bob Arum recently revealed the Saudis, going forward, will only host fights in Riyadh Season and only in the country to maximize their resources. 

This means both parties will either have to wait till October or have a fight in the interim. However, His Excellency himself is adamant about his take. 

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh on Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol rematch

The Saudi Royal was among the vast majority who did not agree with the results that night. He believed Bivol had done enough to get all the straps wrapped around his waist instead. As he was seen leaving the venue, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground, “I don’t think the result is fair, in my opinion…”

He claimed both Russian boxers were like his brothers. “But I think Bivol won two rounds more. I don’t know why the result [is] like this, but in my opinion, I will focus and I will try to do the rematch,” he continued. It’s worth noting that Beterbiev and Bivol are open to a rematch, which is perfect for His Excellency’s plans. “They deserve it, they deserve it. If they accept, we will do it,” he said. 

Nobody ever doubted either boxer would pass their doping tests, but crazier things have happened in boxing. If such a thing had happened in this fight, the internet would have been on fire with fans pulling out pitchforks, and if the Ryan Garcia situation is any evidence, the results would have been turned into a no-contest, and boxing wouldn’t have a light heavyweight undisputed champion. What would your reaction have been?