Beterbiev Set for Return in Riyadh

INSIDE THE MATCHMAKER’S MIND

By Vincent Morin

Artur Beterbiev lost his light heavyweight world titles—and his undefeated record—on February 22 in a highly anticipated rematch against Dmitrii Bivol. With both fighters now holding a win over the other, a trilogy bout seemed like the logical next step.

But as is often the case in professional boxing, logic doesn’t always prevail. While the third chapter remains uncertain, the hard-hitting Chechen-born fighter is expected to stay active with a bout on a high-profile card set for November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to multiple sources, Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) is likely to face American contender Deon Nicholson (22-1, 18 KOs).

Nicholson, the current WBA Continental light heavyweight champion (175 lbs) and former WBC Americas cruiserweight titlist (200 lbs), has won eight straight fights since suffering his lone defeat in 2021 against Efetobor Apochi.

A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, “The Equalizer” scored a fourth-round TKO over Texan Devonte Williams in his most recent outing on June 27 in Wichita, Kansas, as part of the Deontay Wilder rematch undercard.

Standing 5’11” with solid punching power and early career experience at cruiserweight, Nicholson is strong, rugged, but limited. His defense is far from airtight, and he has already suffered a knockout loss.

Initially, rumors linked Beterbiev—who is based in Montreal—to a clash with undefeated Puerto Rican-American Najee Lopez (14-0, 11 KOs). However, The Ring Magazine confirmed on Wednesday that Nicholson had secured the spot.

A Comeback Bout

At 40 years old, the former light heavyweight king is choosing to stay busy rather than wait endlessly for a trilogy with Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs).

It’s a smart move—but a risky one—against a 34-year-old puncher who has everything to gain. Saudi boxing powerhouse Turki Al-Sheikh is clearly aiming for fireworks on the undercard of the upcoming showdown between David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) and Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), who will battle for the WBC and Interim WBA light heavyweight titles.

That explains why a heavy hitter like Nicholson was chosen over a more technical fighter like Germany’s Michael Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs), the current IBF mandatory challenger. Eifert, who defeated Jean Pascal in 2023, has been stuck waiting for a world title shot ever since.

With all due respect to Eifert, Nicholson presents a far more dangerous test for Beterbiev. But truth be told, the risk may very well be worth it.

If Beterbiev wins impressively, he’ll have beaten a fighter with a strong record and a high knockout ratio—more importantly, he’ll stay in the good graces of Saudi boxing’s top backer. This will mark Beterbiev’s third consecutive appearance in Riyadh.

In the current landscape, a highlight-reel performance could even line him up for a blockbuster clash against David Benavidez—assuming Benavidez beats Yarde and the Bivol trilogy doesn’t materialize.

That potential showdown would likely be one of the most lucrative and enticing matchups in boxing today—second only to a Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez mega-fight.

But before looking too far ahead, let’s wait and see if both Beterbiev and Nicholson put pen to paper.