Is the Mandatory System Hurting Boxing?

Artur Beterbiev Faces IBF Stripping Threat Despite Historic Win Over Bivol.

Article By: TUFF Glove Boxing

On October 12, 2024, Artur Beterbiev became the undisputed light heavyweight champion after defeating Dmitry Bivol in a controversial majority decision. The victory crowned Beterbiev as the holder of all four major titles, but his momentous win has been overshadowed by the looming threat of the IBF stripping him of his title if he does not fulfill a mandatory defense against Michael Eifert.

The IBF’s mandate comes at a crucial moment for Beterbiev, as lucrative fights with stars like Canelo Alvarez or a rematch with Bivol are more appealing than facing a lesser-known challenger like Eifert. However, if he chooses to bypass Eifert, Beterbiev risks being stripped of the IBF title, a decision that could break his undisputed reign.

Beterbiev’s Rise to Undisputed Status

Artur Beterbiev, known for his powerful knockout ability, has been one of the most feared boxers in the light heavyweight division. Prior to his fight with Bivol, Beterbiev held the WBC, WBO, and IBF titles. His thrilling clash with Bivol, who held the WBA title, was one of the most anticipated matchups in the division, with both fighters undefeated at the time.

The fight itself was close, with Bivol showcasing superior technical boxing in the early rounds. However, Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and power allowed him to turn the tide in the latter half of the fight. Despite many fans and analysts believing that Bivol did enough to win, the judges awarded Beterbiev a majority decision victory with scores of 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112. This decision was met with controversy, but it officially made Beterbiev the undisputed light heavyweight champion​

IBF’s Mandate: A Roadblock to Bigger Fights?

In the wake of his victory, Beterbiev’s next steps should be toward securing mega-fights against high-profile opponents. However, the IBF has thrown a wrench into these plans by enforcing their mandatory challenger rule, requiring Beterbiev to defend his title against Michael Eifert.

Michael Eifert, while a skilled boxer, is relatively unknown compared to the star power of Beterbiev’s potential opponents, such as Canelo Alvarez or a rematch with Bivol. By enforcing this mandatory defense, the IBF is once again drawing criticism for its rigid rules, which have often stifled big fights.

Bob Arum, Beterbiev’s promoter, voiced his frustration, stating that the IBF’s strict adherence to mandatory rules is harming the sport by preventing champions from fighting the best available opponents. Arum argued that undisputed champions should have the freedom to choose their next fights, particularly when there are lucrative and fan-favored matchups on the table.

The Role of Mandatory Defenses in Boxing

Mandatory defenses are intended to maintain fairness within the sport, ensuring that top-ranked contenders have a path to fight for titles. However, in recent years, these mandates have caused issues, especially for undisputed or unified champions who hold multiple belts. The requirements to defend against different mandatories for each sanctioning body can make it nearly impossible for champions to hold onto all of their titles for an extended period.

The IBF, in particular, has gained a reputation for its strict enforcement of these rules. In 2023, the IBF stripped Terence Crawford for not defending against Jaron Ennis only three months after his historic destruction of former unified Welterweight Champion Errol Spence Jr, which made him the first 2x Undisputed Male Champion in the four belt era. The same treatment was shown to the Undisputed Canelo Alvarez for his super middleweight IBF title for failing to defend it against mandatory challenger William Scull. More recently, Oleksandr Usyk faced a similar situation, with the IBF pushing for a mandatory defense against Daniel Dubois, despite Usyk just having defeated Tyson Fury in a monumental heavyweight clash​.

Fan and Fighter Reactions

Fans and boxing insiders have been vocal about their frustrations with the IBF’s decisions. Many believe that Beterbiev should not be forced to fight Eifert and would rather see him pursue bigger challenges. Social media is filled with comments from fans who feel that sanctioning bodies like the IBF are prioritizing their own interests over the desires of both fighters and fans.

Some fans, however, defend the mandatory system, arguing that fighters like Eifert deserve their shot after working their way up the rankings. They believe that mandatory defenses preserve the integrity of the sport, even if they occasionally block more high-profile fights.

Conclusion: Is There a Better Way Forward?

The dilemma Beterbiev faces raises a critical question for the future of boxing: Should sanctioning bodies prioritize mandatory defenses over big-money, legacy-defining fights? The current system, while meant to ensure fairness, is increasingly seen as a roadblock to the sport’s biggest matchups.

The controversy surrounding Beterbiev’s next move exemplifies the broader issues with the mandatory system. If champions like Beterbiev are continuously forced into mandatory defenses against lower-profile opponents, boxing fans may miss out on the mega-fights that define the sport.

As Beterbiev considers his next steps, the boxing world watches closely. Will he choose to defend his IBF title against Eifert, or will he pursue a more lucrative fight at the cost of his undisputed reign? Either way, the IBF’s decision will have lasting implications for the light heavyweight division—and for the sport of boxing as a whole.