The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has mandated Artur Beterbiev, the reigning WBC and IBF light heavyweight champion, to provide comprehensive medical explanations of his recently sustained knee injury. The demand was issued on Wednesday by Luis Batista Salas, the chairman of the WBO Championship Committee. This comes after the scheduled prime fight with WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol on June 1 in Riyadh was postponed due to Beterbiev's injury.
According to the WBO’s announcement, Beterbiev is required to submit "a detailed medical explanation of his injury, findings, recovery prognosis and his physician’s opinion as to when will he be physically and medically cleared to compete and return to active competition" within ten days. If Beterbiev fails to comply, he risks losing certain rights under the committee's regulations which could affect his holding of the title.
Artur Beterbiev had confirmed last Friday that he suffered a ruptured meniscus during a training session. This injury led to yet another postponement in his career. Since March 2020, five bouts involving Beterbiev have been canceled due to various injuries. The boxer, now 39 years old and maintaining a perfect record of 20-0 with all wins by knockouts.
The fight between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol was highly anticipated as it involved two undefeated fighters at their prime. Both possessing flawless records — with Bivol standing at 24-0 with 17 KOs — the match slated for Riyadh attracted significant attention from boxing enthusiasts around the world. Rescheduling details are still pending but expected later this year.
