By Carlos Boogs

Earlier today it was announced that Artur Beterbiev had withdrawn from a November 28th IBF light heavyweight eliminator against Igor Mikhalkin.

The fight was scheduled to determine the organization's mandatory challenger for
IBF/WBA/WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

Beterbiev-Mikhalkin would have been part of a Showtime televised tripleheader from Quebec City, headlined by James DeGale defending his 168 pound title against Lucian Bute.

BoxingScene.com has been advised that the IBF will likely reinstate undefeated Cuban Sullivan Barrera (16-0) and place him in Beterbiev's position. Sullivan was ordered to face Beterbiev last month but had to withdrawal because he couldn't legally travel to Canada.

According to our sources the Barrera-Mikhalkin fight will likely take place on December 12th on an HBO Latino card at a venue to be determined in the United States.