Bivol recently had surgery for a long-term back problem. This came after his big win against Artur Beterbiev on February 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. That victory avenged an earlier loss and made Bivol the unified champion, adding the WBO and IBF belts to his WBA title he's held for seven years.
Now, the WBO wants Bivol to back up his injury claim. They've given him 10 working days to provide a detailed medical report. This report needs to include his diagnosis, how his treatment is going, what doctors think will happen, and the professional opinion of the doctor treating him.
Luis Batista, who heads the WBO committee, made it clear what will happen if Bivol doesn't follow their order:
"Failure to comply with this order will result in Mr. Bivol's waiver of all rights hereunder and to committee proceedings under the WBO World Championship regulations."
The IBF is also putting pressure on Bivol. They've named Michael Eifert as the mandatory challenger. Bivol was close to a purse bid for a fight with Eifert before he announced his surgery.
If Bivol can't provide the medical proof, he could lose his champion status. This would make his titles vacant. Callum Smith, the British boxer who's the WBO interim champion, might then be moved up to full title holder.
The WBO has sent an official message to Vadim Kornilov, who represents Bivol. They want Bivol to give a detailed medical explanation, including how his recovery is going and when doctors think he'll be able to fight again.
Right now, all eyes are on Bivol. He needs to show he's really getting better and that he'll be able to get back in the ring soon. The champ has to defend his title in the ring, not at a desk.