Dmitry Bivol (24-1) defends his unified light heavyweight world titles against Michael Eifert (13-1) in Russia.
Eifert is set to fight for world honours for the first time in his career as he looks to dethrone Bivol.
The Russian became undisputed light heavyweight world champion in his last outing in a rematch against Artur Beterbiev.
He won via majority decision and avenged his only defeat, which came four months prior in a points win for Beterbiev.
Following the two fights with Beterbiev, the 35-year-old underwent surgery on his back to reportedly repair a long-term injury he claimed to have been dealing with for over 10 years.
This is Bivol’s first appearance since the surgery and comes 15 months on from his last contest, so he will likely look to shake off any ring rust after the lengthy layoff.
The champion faces Eifert, who fights for the first time since August 2024 and goes straight into a world title fight.
In his last outing, he stopped Carlos Eduardo Jiminez via second-round retirement and heads into the biggest fight of his career with just one defeat on his resume.
That sole defeat came in 2020 when he suffered a majority decision loss to Tom Dzemski.
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Bivol was initially expected to have a trilogy contest against Beterbiev, but the surgery halted those plans and the pair may look to clash for a third time later in the year.
The Russian currently holds the WBA, IBF & WBO world titles at light heavyweight and, with a win on Saturday, may look to become undisputed champion for a second time via a fight with David Benavidez.
‘The Mexican Monster’ currently holds the WBC belt and has shown interest in a unification showdown with Bivol, who vacated the belt.
Prediction: Bivol should show the levels here between an elite fighter and one operating at European level; he should break Eifert down and force a late stoppage.
Muhammad Shekhov vs Yerny Betancourt
In the co-main event, Muhammad Shekhov (17-0-1) and Yerny Betancourt (27-2) should provide an entertaining fight. The Uzbek remains unbeaten, with the only blemish on his record being a split decision draw against Magomed Kurbanov in 2020.
Betancourt has just two losses on his resume — the first a split decision defeat to Maikol Beaumont over nine rounds, and the second a unanimous decision loss to Rafael Pedroza in 2023.
The Venezuelan comes off the back of an impressive 12th-round stoppage win over Miguel Gonzalez in August, while Shekhov won a comfortable points decision against Rodrigo Fabian Ruiz.
Prediction: Shekhov should win this one on points.
Remaining Undercard
Unbeaten Vadim Tukov (16-0) looks to extend his perfect record since turning professional in 2020. He faces experienced Argentine Sebastian Papeschi (23-5), who should push his man all the way to the final bell.
Tukov should have enough to showcase his skills in this one, but it will likely go the distance.
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At welterweight, Sergey Lubkovich (20-0-1) challenges for the IBF Asian title against Michael King (8-4-1). The Russian is unbeaten with an impressive 20 wins and one draw. He should stop King late on.
Also at light heavyweight, two unbeaten fighters clash as Sharabutdin Ataev (8-0) takes on Saipaier Rouzi (7-0-1).
Both men are at a similar stage in their careers, with Ataev having one more win and Rouzi having boxed one more professional round. This should prove to be a well-matched contest, although Ataev enters as a slight favourite.
Vsevolod Shumkov (3-0) should face the toughest test of his career as he takes on 26-fight veteran Christian Antonio Olivo Barreda (23-2-1) in just his fourth professional contest and will likely be taken the distance.
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Бокс Курган (@mishechkin_konstantin)Konstantin Mishechkin (7-0) and Matvey Dotsenko (4-0) should both pick up stoppage wins.
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