Bivol planning return
Dmitry Bivol has announced plans to return to the ring, signaling movement at the top of the light‑heavy division as promoters start plotting big matchups. (x.com)
Bivol’s manager Vadim Kornilov told The Ring the champion is targeting a March or April return to the ring after his rehabilitation period. (ringmagazine.com) IBF mandatory Michael Eifert is the leading candidate for that comeback fight; Eifert’s pro record is listed at 13-1 with 15 KOs. (boxingscene.com) Promoters reportedly agreed terms for a return on a May 23 DAZN card before plans changed. (bigfightweekend.com) Subsequent reports say the bout was shifted into a late‑May, Russia‑hosted main event in Ekaterinburg, moving Bivol out of an international undercard slot. (boxingnews24.com) The IBF ordered the matchup after Eifert’s key win that established him as mandatory, and the fight has seen purse‑bid activity as the sanctioning body enforces the obligation. (boxingscene.com) Bivol, listed at 24-1 with 12 KOs, has been inactive since his February 2025 rematch victory over Artur Beterbiev and underwent back surgery during his layoff. (boxingnewsonline.net) Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has said Bivol wants a “big‑money” return, while Bivol’s camp continues to view a later 2026 trilogy with Artur Beterbiev or a potential bout with David Benavídez as marquee targets. (si.com)
