Biyarslanov Questions Delgado Withdrawal After Losing Riyadh Title Shot

Unbeaten Canadian contender Arthur Biyarslanov has spoken out over the collapse of his world-title opportunity in Riyadh, questioning the explanation given for Lindolfo Delgado's withdrawal from their scheduled fight. The pair had been matched for the vacant IBF junior welterweight championship on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez's win over Christian Mbilli on October 31, but the contest never took place. Writing on social media during Saturday's card, Biyarslanov said he had spent twelve hard weeks away from friends and family preparing, pointed out that 19 of the card's 20 boxers showed up, and complained that after waiting a full week he had received neither an explanation from Delgado's team nor any acknowledgement of his own position. An earlier report by Dan Rafael on October 27 had said Delgado's passport had expired or was approaching expiry, and that Biyarslanov would not face a replacement that Saturday, leaving open whether or when the matchup might be rescheduled. Biyarslanov, 21-0 with 17 knockouts, is now left waiting to learn when his title chance will come again.