Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol provided fans with one of this year’s most compelling spectacles when they collided for the undisputed light heavyweight crown last month.
The pair entered their battle for supremacy as two unbeaten champions, looking to remove any doubt surrounding their claim to the 175 lb throne.
But shortly after their fiercely contested showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – where Beterbiev ultimately edged a majority decision – boxing power broker Turki Alalshikh expressed his desire to deliver an immediate rematch.
And so, with both Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol hoping to produce a more definitive display against their rival, a second encounter is likely to take place in 2025.
- Read More [‘I find it sickening’… Eddie Hearn slams controversial Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol scorecard]
Matchroom Boxing announce the signing of Conor Wallace
While a rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol has been heavily mooted, it is unlikely that their potential clash next year will be for the undisputed championship.
Rather, the IBF are set to strip Beterbiev of his title if he fails to make a defense against obscure mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.
The IBF, after all, have made a habit of stripping their champions this year, with Canelo Alvarez and Oleksandr Usyk, too, being forced to surrender their belts.
But still, fans will nonetheless be clamoring for a rematch between two of boxing’s pound-for-pound stars, regardless of whether all the jewlery is on the line.
Instead of Eifert getting a shot at Beterbiev, though, the German is likely to face the IBF’s second-ranked contender, Conor Wallace, who has just signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn.
“This is a fantastic signing for us,” Hearn told Matchroom Boxing. “There is no denying Conor’s ability and certainly it is going to be hard to stop him.
“I can see an incredibly bright future for him in the ring and there are many big fights ahead in a division that promises to deliver more fireworks in 2025.”
Conor Wallace and Justis Huni will feature on a double header in Australia
Before securing his imminent world title shot, Wallace must first get past unbeaten South African Asemahle Wellem when they lock horns on December 11 in Australia.
Featuring on the ‘Xmas Cracker’ card, too, is rising heavyweight star Justis Huni, who will undoubtedly be looking to put his name in the mix for a potential mega fight next year.
Regarding Wallace’s career, however, it is somewhat difficult to gauge what level he is capable of reaching, given that he is yet to face a notable light heavyweight operator.
And yet, the exact same could be said for Eifert which, once again, begs the question as to how they have achieved such lofty rankings with the IBF.