Bivol aims for the return of spring with mandatory IBF

Bivol has not fought since February 2025, when he defeated Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to win the undisputed championship. The extended absence that followed was related to back surgery in August, which sidelined the 35-year-old champion for the remainder of the year and delayed any immediate title obligations. His team said the recovery process went as planned, with no reported setbacks.

The undisputed reign proved brief. Bivol then vacated the WBC title, which went to David Benavidez, while retaining the WBA, IBF and WBO belts. With the IBF now pushing for its mandatory defense, attention has turned to Eifert, who has held the top spot for over a year.

Eifert, a German competitor, also remained inactive. He has not competed since August 2024, remaining on the sidelines awaiting his title opportunity through the sanctioning process. His most notable victory came in 2023, when he defeated former champion Jean Pascal, a result that elevated him to mandatory status and kept him in position.

The Bivol camp said training should resume soon in Kyrgyzstan. No location or date has been finalized, and no alternative opponent has been discussed publicly, indicating that the mandatory path remains the clearest path at this point.

With Benavidez scheduled to face Gilberto Ramirez later in the year, Bivol’s decision to fulfill his IBF obligations first allows him to maintain control of his remaining titles while returning to action.

It’s a practical decision, given where he is currently.