The WBO has requested more information from world light heavyweight champion DmitriiBivol in light of Bivol's statement that underwent back surgery. The WBO learned of the surgery based on a Bivol social media post from last week. The WBO wrote, “we understand he has been dealing with a back injury for ten years and following doctors advice, he took the surgery. Implicating that he will be out of Action due to the recovery that the surgery [requires].“ The WBO has therefore requested that Bivol submit within the next ten days a detailed medical explanation of his injury, along with the doctors' findings, prognosis, and a physician's opinion as to when Bivol will be physically and medically cleared to compete and return to active competition. The WBO added that failure to comply with this order could result in Bivol waving his rights under the WBO rules. Bivol last fought in February, defeating Artur Beterbiev to gain undisputed world champion recognition.