WRITER'S NOTE: BoxingScene has since learned that Bivol's team has submitted the requested paperwork; the WBO has yet to publicly confirm. The below story appears as originally published.
Dmitry Bivol, who has already sought to sidestep one mandatory title defense, is now in the crosshairs of another sanctioning body.
The lineal, WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight champ was ordered by the WBO to provide verified medical proof of his current injuries. The formal request was issued on Friday, one week after Bivol, 24-1 (12 KOs), revealed on social media that he is currently recovering from surgery for a lingering back injury.
“Mr. Bivol is hereby ordered to submit in writing to the WBO, within [10] days upon notice of this letter, a detailed medical explanation of his injury, findings, recovery process and physician’s opinion as to when he will be physically and medically cleared to compete,” WBO Championship Committee chairman Luis Batista stated in a formal order – a copy which was obtained by BoxingScene – to Vadim Kornilov, Bivol’s manager.
“Failure to comply with this order will result in Mr. Bivol waiving all rights hereunder and with the committee proceedings per WBO regulations of World Championship Contests.”
Bivol has yet to defend any of his current titles since dethroning Artur Beterbiev, 21-1 (20 KOs), via majority decision in their February 22 rematch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The feat saw Bivol avenge a loss to Beterbiev four months prior, a defeat that ended his seven-year stay as WBA light heavyweight titlist.
The move from the WBO comes as Bivol remains on the hook to next face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. The overdue mandatory title defense was on the verge of heading to a purse bid when Bivol suddenly underwent surgery for injuries he claimed he has carried for much of his career.
Both sanctioning bodies now await medical proof of the severity of the injury, which could ultimately end his unified title reign.
The WBA has yet to comment on the matter.
Friday’s ruling from the WBO comes as the sanctioning body seeks to consolidate its two active light heavyweight title reigns. England’s Callum Smith holds the interim version of the WBO 175lbs belt and could be poised for an upgrade, depending on how Bivol handles the matter.
Interim titles are used sparingly by the WBO, under special circumstances – such as high-profile undisputed showdowns, as was the case with both Bivol-Beterbiev fights.
That said, the demand for medical certification for his injury and surgery are not meant to force Bivol’s hand but rather keep the line moving as it relates to the title picture.
“The WBO wishes to express its sincere understanding of the difficult circumstances Mr. Bivol is currently facing,” Batista-Salas noted. “His dedication, discipline and sportsmanship have made him an exemplary champion, and his career stands as a testament to the highest ideals of boxing. The WBO recognizes the sacrifices he has made for the sport and values the prestige he has brought to the light heavyweight division.
“These procedures are not intended to diminish his personal situation but rather to uphold the integrity of the championships in a manner that is fair to all. While such guidelines may appear strict, they are necessary to ensure transparency and consistency. Above all, the WBO extends its best wishes for a full recovery and looks forward to the day when Mr. Bivol can once again showcase his extraordinary skills in the ring.”
Bivol exited his rematch with Beterbiev as the undisputed champion. However, he vacated his WBC belt in lieu of a mandatory title defense against WBC interim titlist David Benavidez, who was upgraded to full titlist.
At the time, it appeared the move was made to instead face Beterbiev in a rubber match. Their bout was rumored to take place in Russia, but talks came to a grinding halt, perhaps due to Bivol not wanting to publicly reveal his injury at the time.
Beterbiev has since moved on and will now appear on the same November 22 Ring IV show in Riyadh topped by Benavidez’s WBC 175lbs title defense against Anthony Yarde.
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