Biyarslanov Demands Answers After Vacant IBF Title Fight Canceled

Arthur Biyarslanov demanded answers after losing his vacant IBF world title shot on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard following Lindolfo Delgado’s withdrawal. The fight was canceled on October 30 after attempts to secure a replacement opponent failed.

Canelo Alvarez’s victory over Christian Mbilli went ahead as planned, but the vacant IBF title fight never took place. Biyarslanov said, “I wonder what the narrative would have been like if it was me that did not show up to the fight.”

Lindolfo Delgado remained in the United States amid security concerns and travel problems, and those issues caused the fight to be canceled. Delgado’s trainer, Robert Garcia, cited missile threats, uncertainty over travel arrangements, and safety concerns as reasons for not traveling to Riyadh.

Garcia questioned plans involving a flight into Bahrain followed by a lengthy road journey to Riyadh. Ballistic missile debris fell on the Saudi capital in the days leading up to the fight, after Garcia raised his concerns.

Arthur Biyarslanov spent 12 weeks preparing for the vacant IBF super lightweight title fight in Riyadh.

Biyarslanov’s manager, Jimmy Kambosos, accused Team Delgado of double standards regarding the withdrawal. Kambosos claimed that Delgado’s representatives would have demanded Biyarslanov’s removal from the IBF rankings had the situation been reversed.

Kambosos said, “Team Delgado would have shouted from the rooftops ‘injustice’ and would have demanded for your scalp.” Kambosos said, “Team Biyarslanov has remained patient and will now wait on how the IBF responds.”

The vacant IBF super lightweight championship remains unresolved while Biyarslanov’s team waits to learn whether Lindolfo Delgado will retain his place in the title picture.

What do you think the IBF should do about Lindolfo Delgado’s place in the vacant super lightweight title picture?