On February 2, 2013, Bey defeated Robert Rodríguez by third-round knockout, but tested positive for testosterone in the post-fight drug test. He was fined $1,000 and suspended for three months.[1]
Bey was scheduled to face Denis Shafikov as his first defence, on April 30, as an ESPN2 main event in Las Vegas. Moretti and Leonard Ellerbe of Mayweather Promotions were even able to make a deal for the bout despite the poor relationship between the companies. However, Bey ultimately turned down a purse of about $200,000, and the bout was cancelled on short notice. The bout was then put up for a purse bid, and Top Rank, the only bidder, won the promotional rights with an offer of $78,000.
Although Bey signed a contract to go to Macau, China, to make a mandatory defence of his lightweight world title against Shafikov on July 18, he has again backed out of the fight and the vacated the title on July 3, 2015, having failed to defend the title once. Whilst he did ultimately vacate the title the IBF were on the verge of stripping him for failing to meet his contractual obligation to face his mandatory challenger.[3]
Bey vs. Barthelemy
Bey fought Rances Barthelemy on 3 June 2016, for the IBF lightweight championship of the world. Barthelemy won by split decision. The scorecards were announced as 117-110, 110-117, 116-111 in favor of Barthelemy.[4]
Bey vs. Kambosos Jnr
George Kambosos Jnr fought Bey on 14 December 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Kambosos Jnr won by split decision in their 10 round contest. The scorecards were announced as 94-95, 97-92, 96-93 in favor of Kambosos Jnr.[5]