Dmitry Bivol is expected to return for a Ring Magazine light heavyweight championship defense in March or April, his manager Vadim Kornilov tells The Ring.

One option is mandatory challenger Michael Eifert in Bivol’s first fight since he underwent back surgery in August. Bivol would then target a major fight in the second half of 2026 with a third fight with Artur Beterbiev.

The 34-year-old won the undisputed light heavyweight championship in February when he defeated Beterbiev in a rematch, avenging a controversial decision loss from October 2024.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) was in talks to fight Beterbiev in a trilogy bout in late 2025 in Russia but elected for surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. The serious injury has forced Bivol into a compressive rehabilitation program to rebuild strength in his lumbar and ensure the injury doesn’t flare up again.

Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs) would both fit the profile of the sort of opponent Bivol’s team is seeking following a major injury and would fulfill the mandatory defense the IBF ordered over the summer. 

The 28-year-old German outpointed former champion Jean Pascal in 2023 in his lone notable victory. 

Already, Bivol vacated his WBC title, which is now held by David Benavidez. Benavidez challenges unified cruiserweight titleholder Zurdo Ramirez in May, but if he returns to 175 pounds, a fight with Bivol is possible for later in 2026.