WBC and IBF light-heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev has been diagnosed with Covid-19, postponing his title defence against German-based Russian Adam Deines at the VTB Arena in Moscow on January 30.
Beterbiev and Deines (19-1-1, 10 KOs) were originally scheduled to meet on October 23 before Beterbiev sustained a rib injury in training. A new date will be scheduled in due course.
“Unfortunately, I got coronavirus,” Beterbiev told his social media accounts. “Therefore, my fight with Adam Deines scheduled for January 30 is postponed for a later date.
“I will try to recover as soon as possible and return to training. I hope for your understanding and support.”
Widely considered the premier light-heavyweight on the planet, Russian Beterbiev (15-0, 15 KOs) has not fought since unifying the world heavyweight crowns against Oleksandr Gvozdyk in October 2019.