Dmitry Bivol’s long-awaited return to the ring has moved a step closer, with his IBF-mandated light heavyweight title defense against Michael Eifert officially heading to a February 3 purse bid hearing.
Although the purse bid is now scheduled, a deal can still be reached at any point up to, and even during, the hearing itself. Bivol is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and managed by Vadim Kornilov, while Eifert competes under the SES banner with Blanko Sports’ Benedikt “Benny Blanko” Poelchau guiding his career.
The bout has been ordered multiple times over the past three years but repeatedly delayed. Bivol has not fought since his February 2025 unanimous decision victory over Artur Beterbiev, when he avenged his lone career defeat and was crowned undisputed champion at 175lbs. Subsequent mandatory obligations were postponed due to unification priorities and later a medical exemption granted after Bivol underwent surgery for a herniated disc.
Eifert earned his mandatory position with a March 2023 upset decision win over former champion Jean Pascal and has fought just once since, largely waiting for an IBF-sanctioned title opportunity to materialize.
Failure to proceed carries serious consequences for both sides. If Bivol does not honor the mandatory defense, he faces being stripped of his IBF title. Likewise, Eifert would forfeit his No. 1 contender status and be barred from IBF-sanctioned bouts for at least six months should he decline.
Image Credit: Sky Sports