Dmitry Bivol has outlined his preferred options at light heavyweight while also opening the door to a potential move up to cruiserweight. The unified champion has not fought since his February 2025 majority decision win over Artur Beterbiev, a victory that crowned him undisputed at 175lbs.
Following that win, Bivol underwent back surgery and was forced to vacate his WBC title rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez, who is now the full WBC champion. Bivol still holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts and is expected to return later this year against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, with the bout likely heading to a purse bid.
While acknowledging Eifert as a sensible comeback opponent after more than a year out of the ring, Bivol has admitted that his biggest opportunities may come toward the end of 2026. One possibility is an undisputed showdown with Benavidez.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Bivol also raised the prospect of a third fight with Beterbiev or even a rematch with Canelo Alvarez, whom he outpointed in 2022. All three names, he said, remain realistic options on his radar.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the 35-year-old revealed that he is considering a move to cruiserweight in pursuit of another world title. Bivol mentioned champions such as Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian and the winner of Gilberto Ramirez vs. Benavidez as potential targets. “In my head, I would like to move up to get the chance to fight for another belt, in another weight class,” Bivol said. “For my soul, it would be better to move up.”
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