Bivol will defend against IBF mandatory Michael Eifert before pursuing Beterbiev, Canelo or Benavidez
Dmitry Bivol will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert on May 23, but the Russian champion already has a specific target lined up afterward.
Bivol returns on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The bout marks his first appearance since February 2025.
That night Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev by majority decision to claim the undisputed championship at 175 pounds. The victory completed one of the division’s biggest rivalries after two closely contested fights between the pair.
His momentum was halted later in the year when Bivol underwent back surgery, forcing him out of a scheduled defense against David Benavidez. With the champion unable to make the mandatory defense, the WBC elevated Benavidez from interim champion to full titleholder and Bivol relinquished the belt.
The upcoming fight with Eifert fulfills the IBF mandatory obligation. After that, Bivol’s camp expects a much bigger fight to take shape.
Manager Vadim Kornilov outlined the preferred path while speaking to boxing journalist Dan Rafael.
“Per Bivol manager [Kornilov] to me as it relates to what Dmitry would like: IBF mandatory Michael [Eifert] this spring (agreed to, ticketed for Usyk card May 23) then Beterbiev 3 [and] then either Canelo 2, Benavidez or a cruiserweight champion.”
A third fight with Beterbiev stands out as the most natural next step. Their two fights were technical contests built around disciplined jab work, tight guard, and carefully timed combinations.
Bivol also holds a notable victory over Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. In 2022 he boxed patiently behind the jab, set his feet, and landed the cleaner combinations across twelve rounds to secure a clear decision.
Benavidez remains another potential opponent depending on how his own schedule unfolds. The WBC champion is preparing to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez on May 2.
First comes the mandatory defense in May. If Bivol handles that business, the road likely leads straight back to Artur Beterbiev.