More than two years of waiting – now the reward beckons! The IBF has officially ordered a world championship fight between Michael Eifert and Dmitry Bivol.
More than two years after his sensational victory over Jean Pascal in Canada, German light heavyweight Michael Eifert (13-1, 5th knockout) finally faces his well-deserved world championship opportunity. The IBF has officially ordered that title holder Dmitry Bivol (24-1) must make his mandatory defense against the 26-year-old from Bautzen.
Eifert had already secured his status as a mandatory challenger in March 2023 with a points victory in the Final Eliminator against former world champion Pascal – away from home in Canada, against all expectations. However, his career stalled as Bivol was involved in major unification fights with Artur Beterbiev in the meantime. Now the previously rather unknown Eifert is back in the limelight.
However, it is questionable whether Bivol will actually accept the mandatory defense – the financial potential seems too low compared to other possible opponents. In addition, a third duel against Artur Beterbiev is also on the cards. Should Bivol therefore resign the title, Eifert could fight for the vacant belt against Australian Conor Wallace (16-1).
Meanwhile, the German continues to prepare himself professionally for the real thing. In training camps in Latvia and Uzbekistan and in sparring with top stars such as Mairis Briedis and Sergey Kovalev, Eifert has continued to develop. A world championship fight would not only be the well-deserved reward – but also a real chance for a major breakthrough.
Text by Robin Josten