The light heavyweight matchup between former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and Alabama’s Deon Nicholson has been canceled, according to multiple social media posts shared by Nicholson on Thursday. The fight had been set for November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Just got word that my fight with Artur Beterbiev was canceled be the will of God. I’ll have info on another fight soon,” Nicholson wrote on Facebook. “Still working and preparing for whoever come @arturbeterbiev maybe another day.,” as no reason for the cancellation has been provided.
The bout would have marked Beterbiev’s first ring appearance since losing all four of his light heavyweight titles to Dmitry Bivol in their rematch last February. The 40-year-old, known for his fearsome power and perfect knockout record before that defeat, had hoped the matchup would serve as a stepping stone toward another shot at Bivol.
For Nicholson this fight represented the biggest opportunity of his career, as the 35-year-old from Tuscaloosa was preparing for a major step up in class, having never before faced an opponent of Beterbiev’s caliber.
With no explanation yet given for the cancellation, it remains unclear whether the fight will be rescheduled or if both men will pursue different paths.