Artur Beterbiev got news today that his fight with Callum Johnson is headed for purse bid on June 19th.
Unfortunately that’s not the only news he got, as IBF light heavyweight titleist has lost his court battle to his promotional company GYM. Beterbiev will remain under contract till 2021.
Beterbiev who was hoping for a favorable ruling had his sights on signing a promotional deal with Top Rank. Bob Arum who is the head of the company was hoping to add Beterbiev to his stable. Top Rank won the last purse bid he Beterbiev was involved in back in November.
Both sides very much wanted to work with one another, GYM however was not willing to release Beterbiev. It was thought to be iminent that the champion would be able to jump ship until today. As GYM and Beterbiev took their fight to the court room.
GYM claiming they still have Beterbiev under contract till 2021, and the courts ruled in their favor. It must be a big blow to light heavyweight titlist, as he has failed to land the big fights. Adonis Stevenson who has Yvon Mitchell in his corner, as well as Beterbiev has never even brought up pairing his fighters against one another.
Arum himself was hoping the Beterbiev would be able to win his legal promotional battle, as their looking to increase their stable. Top Rank has an exclusive deal with ESPN and now that they have added the new platform ESPN+, Arum has more dates to fill. Well, I guess that move will have to wait or maybe Top Rank and GYM can come to amicable resolution.
By: Wilson Urena
