Beterbiev-Deines delayed until January

Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images

Former welterweight champion Alexander Besputin was set to serve as the co-feature

Three things in life are constant: death, taxes, and Artur Beterbiev not getting to fight in a timely manner. The unified light heavyweight champion’s team tells TASS that his planned December clash with Adam Deines has been pushed back to “the end of January.” Co-headliner Alexander Besputin’s return has also been delayed until 2021, per Russian Boxing Federation Secretary General (and AIBA presidential hopeful) Umar Kremlev.

No reason was given, though it wouldn’t be surprising if Beterbiev’s (15-0, 15 KO) broken rib required further healing time. I’ve got to say, breaking a rib in September and planning to fight in December seemed optimistic to begin with.

It’s yet another setback for Beterbiev in a career full of them. The 35-year-old hasn’t fought since lifting the WBC title from Oleksandr Gvozdyk last October; a March date with mandatory challenger Meng Fanlong was moved to September due to COVID, then Deines (19-1-1, 10 KO) stepped in when the new location left Meng with visa issues, then the aforementioned rib injury happened.

Well, at least Beterbiev has excuses for his inactivity. Looking at you, Bivol.