The WBO lightweight champion Dmitri Bivol was ordered by the sanction body to deliver medical documentation on his back injury, surgery and prognosis. Biblical recently underwent a back surgery. The WBO insists on transparency for his recovery and wants to view the reports of the doctor.
BIVOL’s complicated recovery of back operations
If the doctor of Biblical says he can’t return to the ring WBO’s 9 -month window For defense against compulsory challengers, he can be stripped of his belt. It’s up to the WBO to decide. He has Callum Smith, 35, who is waiting for his title shot, and he doesn’t get younger. If he has to wait a year, he might be too old to profane Biblical.
Biblical, 34, has not fought since he defeated undisputed 175-pound champion Artur Betterur, with a 12-round majority decision earlier this year in their re-broadcast on February 22 in Riyadh. Dmitri (24-1, 12 costs) sacrificed his WBC title to the compulsory David Banavidez when he did not defend against him. Now Bsvol can also lose its WBO belt.
Callum Smith: The compulsory challenger awaits
It can play in Callum Smith’s hands of the match room if Bivol does not deliver the WBO’s required medical documentation they demand. Smith would then be elevated to the new WBO Light Heavyweight Champion; Presumably it would eliminate his ordered title defense against David Morrell.
Eddie Hearn’s potential strategic victory
Promoter Eddie Hearn would be very pleased that Smith (31-2, 22 COs) was being elevated to the new WBO champion. He would be a world champion of two divisions, and it might save him to defend against the Cuban Morrell. Hearn knew what Smith was facing and was fighting against the much younger and technically superior Morrell. It would be a dream to evade that fight.
🥊 WBO issues interim medical certification to Dmitri Biblical
After the recent back surgery, the WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitri Biblical was ordered to provide detailed medical documentation regarding his injury, recovery prognosis and approval to return to the ring. The … pic.twitter.com/okzrqtegqs
– WBO (@worldboxingorg) August 14, 2025
Last updated on 08/14/2025
