Bivol has three necessary challengers ready for his remaining titles. He gave up his WBC when he had David Benavidez because the necessary for that belt. It’s comprehensible why Bivol selected to surrender the title. That will have been a tough struggle for him.
Bivol’s three mandatorys
Michael Eifert – IBF
David Benavidez – WBA
Callum Smith – WBO
The WBO scenario remains to be in flux, as interim champion Smith has a protection ordered in opposition to David Morrell subsequent. The winner of that struggle would be the WBO necessary.
Why a Obligatory Makes Sense for the Return
IBF necessary, Michael Eifert, hasn’t overwhelmed any notable opposition throughout his seven-year professional profession, for him to get within the place as Bivol’s necessary. If that’s Bivol’s subsequent struggle in necessary, it might be like a tune-up-level struggle.
On condition that Dmitry will probably be coming back from again surgical procedure and a 13-month layoff, Eifert could be a super match to ease his return. It could be riskier if Bivol got here off the layoff and fought Artur Beterbiev of their trilogy.
“The primary struggle again could also be a smaller struggle than [the Artur Beterbiev trilogy], perhaps one in all his necessary defenses,” mentioned promoter Eddie Hearn about Dmitry Bivol’s subsequent struggle in 2026.
Bivol can’t afford to relinquish any extra titles, as they’re what validate him now. Many followers view David Benavidez as the highest fighter within the division. Nevertheless, Bivol holds all these titles, and that offers him credibility.
“He’s acquired fairly just a few of them. One is Callum Smith, one is Michael Eifert, WBA I feel has a compulsory as properly. He would’ve been out of the ring — he received’t struggle earlier than March — so he would’ve been out of the ring for a 12 months and would’ve had a few operations,” mentioned Hearn.
Hearn promotes Callum Smith, however he can’t push for him to be subsequent for Bivol till after he faces David Morrell.
