The IBF made the correct call by keeping Lindolfo Delgado in contention for its vacant 140-pound championship after his withdrawal from the Riyadh event. Following a report from Darshan Desai, the sanctioning body ordered Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov to reopen negotiations. While Biyarslanov certainly earned quicker clarity on the status of his bout, stripping Delgado of his title shot would have been an excessive penalty for prioritizing safety and preparation.
Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs) and Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) had been scheduled to meet on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli undercard. Biyarslanov traveled to Saudi Arabia as planned. Delgado remained behind after his trainer, Robert Garcia, cited regional missile threats alongside a grueling travel schedule. Under that proposed itinerary, Delgado would have had barely two days on the ground to overcome jet lag and shed final pounds.
Biyarslanov voiced valid frustration after enduring twelve weeks of camp away from home, followed by seven days of silence in Riyadh. He put in the work, made the flight, and reasonably expected direct word on whether the contest remained intact. Delgado’s camp owed him that basic communication while sorting out logistical hurdles.
Still, traveling to Riyadh is not the same as arriving with proper runway to contest a world championship. Biyarslanov got into town early and settled into fight week. Garcia faced a delayed flight plan, extended ground travel, and a dangerously compressed weight cut. Just because one camp navigated the journey without incident does not invalidate the other side’s athletic and safety concerns.
Now, the ruling brings the two undefeated contenders back to the negotiating table for the title Richardson Hitchins vacated upon moving to 147 pounds. What remains is securing a firm location and date. Biyarslanov has already invested a full training camp and traveled across the globe. Before he launches another grueling camp, he deserves concrete details on where and when this matchup will actually happen.
