Dmitry Bivol returned to the ring after an extended spell on the sidelines, taking on Germany’s Michael Eifert.
Eifert took the biggest step up of his career against the former undisputed light heavyweight champion, Bivol.
Following his last fight in February 2025, Bivol underwent surgery on a back injury that he claimed had troubled him for more than a decade.
From the opening round of his return, the Russian made a statement, dropping Eifert before going on to produce a dominant performance against the German.
Bivol secured the 25th victory of his professional career, with his only defeat coming against Artur Beterbiev in 2024. During his career, he has defeated the likes of Canelo Alvarez, Gilberto Ramirez, Lyndon Arthur and many others.
Here are three possible opponents the 36-year-old could face next.
Artur Beterbiev
Bivol and Beterbiev have already shared 24 rounds across two epic contests.
Their first meeting came in October 2024, when Bivol suffered the first defeat of his career via majority decision. The judges scored the bout 115-113, 116-112 and 114-114 in Beterbiev’s favour.
Four months later, the pair met in a rematch and Bivol reversed the result, claiming a majority decision victory to become the undisputed light heavyweight world champion.
The scorecards in February read 115-113, 116-112 and 114-114 in favour of Bivol.
Beterbiev has not fought since their rematch more than 15 months ago and continues to call for a trilogy fight.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Beterbiev claimed that Bivol had turned down a major offer for a third bout.
“Yes. It’s true. I think if the fight ever happens, the most interesting place is going to be Moscow, in Russia. In Russia, I think is most interesting, this fight.
“I don’t know, but it’s not less than our previous couple of fights.”
David Benavidez
David Benavidez has continued to enhance his reputation since turning professional in 2013.
After defeating David Morrell over twelve rounds, he captured the interim WBC light heavyweight title and was later elevated to full champion when Bivol vacated the belt during his injury layoff.
‘The Monster’ defended his title against Anthony Yarde in November, stopping the Brit in the seventh round of their headline clash in Riyadh.
Earlier this month, Benavidez moved up to cruiserweight and defeated Gilberto Ramirez, a former opponent of Bivol.
He dropped ‘Zurdo’ in both the fourth and sixth rounds before securing a stoppage victory.
A showdown between Bivol and Benavidez would be one of the biggest fights currently available in the division.
Callum Smith
Callum Smith has previously shared the ring with Bivol’s long-time rival, Beterbiev.
‘Mundo’ was stopped in the seventh round of their January 2024 contest as he challenged for the IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight titles.
Since that defeat, Smith has bounced back impressively. He stopped Carlos Galvan in five rounds before producing a career-best performance against Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of Bivol’s rematch victory over Beterbiev.
The Liverpudlian was originally scheduled to face David Morrell this month, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.
With Morrell suffering a shock defeat to Zak Chelli in his most recent outing, a rescheduled bout now appears unlikely, potentially leaving Smith free to pursue a world title opportunity against Bivol.
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