Bivol has not fought since February 2025, when he defeated Artur Beterbiev of their rematch to say the undisputed championship. The prolonged absence that adopted was tied to again surgical procedure in August, which sidelined the 35-year-old champion for the rest of the yr and delayed any instant title obligations. His group has indicated that the restoration course of has gone as anticipated, with no reported setbacks.
The undisputed reign proved temporary. Bivol later vacated the WBC title, which was awarded to David Benavidez, whereas retaining the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts. With the IBF now urgent for its obligatory protection, consideration has turned to Eifert, who has held the No. 1 place for greater than a yr.
Eifert, a German contender, has additionally been inactive. He has not competed since August 2024, remaining on the sidelines whereas ready for his title alternative by way of the sanctioning course of. His most notable win got here in 2023, when he defeated former champion Jean Pascal, a outcome that elevated him to obligatory standing and saved him in place.
Bivol’s camp has indicated that coaching is predicted to renew shortly in Kyrgyzstan. No venue or date has been finalized, and no different opponents have been publicly mentioned, signaling that the obligatory route stays the clearest path ahead at this stage.
With Benavidez scheduled to face Gilberto Ramirez later within the yr, Bivol’s choice to handle his IBF obligation first permits him to take care of management of his remaining titles whereas easing again into exercise.
It’s a sensible transfer, given the place he’s proper now.
