The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has requested that Artur Beterbiev, the WBO, WBC, and IBF light heavyweight titleholder, provide a comprehensive medical report on his recent injury. Last Friday, Top Rank announced that Beterbiev suffered a ruptured meniscus during training, leading to the postponement of his highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight championship fight against WBA titlist Dmitry Bivol, which was originally scheduled for June 1 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In light of the injury, the WBO has issued a directive requiring Beterbiev to submit a detailed medical explanation of his injury, the findings, his recovery prognosis, and his physician's assessment regarding when he might be able to return to active competition. Luis Batista Salas, chairman of the WBO Championship Committee, stated:
"Beterbiev is hereby ordered to submit within the next 10 days 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."
The WBO has made it clear that failure to comply with this order could lead to consequences for Beterbiev, including waiving all rights under the regulation and potentially further actions by the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
The announcement, detailed on the WBO’s website, also informs relevant parties at Top Rank, including CEO Bob Arum, Vice President of boxing operations Carl Moretti, and general counsel Jeremy Koegel, as well as WBO President Francisco Valcárcel.
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