Dmitry Bivol’s return raises questions after back surgery

Bivol is expected to return in March or April to defend his IBF title against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. This would be his first fight since February 2025, when he defeated Artur Beterbiev by majority decision over twelve rounds. Bivol is expected to return to full training in February.

The victory evened his series with Beterbiev at one apiece. It also didn’t manage to solve much of anything. Many observers believe either fight could have gone the other way. The planned trilogy has now been pushed back almost a year due to Bivol’s injury, and this delay comes with risks. Beterbiev’s style is all about pressure and power. The passage of time does not dull, in the same way that it can dull movement.

The game of Bivol depends on footwork, timing and reactions. These traits tend to fade sooner than strength. Long layoffs don’t help, and back surgery adds another unknown. A fighter built around control and evasion can’t afford many slip-ups.

Clips of Bivol working pads surfaced online this week, showing him moving well and throwing sharply. This is reassuring but limited. The pads do not move back. They don’t force resets, pivots, or long defensive sequences. These are the areas that will decide his future fights.

Beyond Beterbiev, there is also David Benavidez. Benavidez is younger and physically demanding, even for a healthy champion. This fight would be difficult under ideal conditions. After the operation and the time that has passed, it becomes more difficult to plan ahead.

For now, the division waits. Eifert’s defense should show how much Bivol still has. What comes next depends on how well his legs and back can hold up once the rounds start adding up again.