Beterbiev vs Bivol Title Fight Canceled Days Before Event Amid Poison Allegations

Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd Schofield Fight Canceled Amid "Poison" Claims

The highly anticipated world title fight between Shakur Stevenson and Floyd Schofield has been abruptly canceled just days before the star-studded boxing card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event, headlined by the undisputed light heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, will now proceed without the Stevenson-Schofield bout.

Mystery Surrounds Schofield’s Withdrawal
Schofield, 22, reportedly fell ill after arriving in Saudi Arabia and participating in media engagements on Monday. He disappeared on Tuesday, skipping the grand arrivals ceremony. A leaked text message from his father, Floyd Schofield Sr., fueled rumors that the boxer had been intentionally poisoned. The message read: “They spiked your son… this isn’t something to take lightly.”

[Image: Floyd Schofield Sr. (left) and Shakur Stevenson (right)]
(Image URLs:

1. https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/23/95349947-14411185-image-a-34_1739920761503.jpg
   Caption: Shakur Stevenson (right) and Floyd Schofield (left) were set to clash before the bout was scrapped.)

Promoters are now scrambling to find a last-minute replacement opponent for Stevenson, who holds the WBC lightweight title. The fight’s cancellation is a blow to fans, as Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) and Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) were both undefeated rising stars.

Beterbiev vs. Bivol Rematch Takes Center Stage
The focus shifts to Saturday’s main event, where Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) defends his undisputed championship against Bivol (22-1, 11 KOs) in a rematch of their October thriller. Beterbiev narrowly won their first encounter via split decision, but Bivol’s camp accused judges of bias. One scorecard (116-112 for Beterbiev) sparked outrage, with Bivol’s promoter Eddie Hearn calling it a “robbery.”

[Image: Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol face off]
(Image URL: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/23/95349973-14411185-image-a-35_1739920793966.jpg
Caption: Beterbiev (left) and Bivol (right) during a heated press conference ahead of their rematch.)

Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, vowed to file a protest, stating, “Judges must be held accountable. This is destructive to the sport.”

Stacked Undercard Proceeds
Despite the shake-up, Saturday’s lineup remains stacked. Heavyweights Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, along with former super-middleweight champion Callum Smith, will compete in high-stakes bouts. The card has been hailed as one of boxing’s best ever, thanks to Saudi Arabia’s lavish investments in the sport.

[Image: Fighters at the Riyadh grand arrivals]
(Image URL: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/23/95349939-14411185-image-a-36_1739920816559.jpg
Caption: Daniel Dubois and other stars arrived in Riyadh for the historic event.)

Questions Linger Over Schofield’s Exit
While Stevenson’s team targets a replacement bout, Schofield’s camp remains silent. No formal explanation or medical update has been provided, leaving the “poison” theory lingering. Boxing analysts speculate whether the withdrawal stems from legitimate health concerns or contractual disputes.

As fight night approaches, the boxing world turns its attention to Beterbiev vs. Bivol II—a clash with legacy-defining stakes—while Stevenson waits in the wings for a late-surprise opportunity.

[Image: Promotional poster for the Riyadh card]
(Image URL: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/02/18/23/95349973-14411185-image-a-35_1739920793966.jpg
Caption: The event promises to deliver drama, despite Stevenson-Schofield’s absence.)

Final Word
The cancellation underscores the unpredictability of boxing, where even the grandest plans can unravel. For now, fans hope the remaining fights—and the simmering Beterbiev-Bivol rivalry—will deliver the historic spectacle promised.

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