Dmitry Bivol’s ability to delay his IBF mandatory defense is narrowing, with the sanctioning body rescheduling a purse hearing that moves the champion closer to formally enforcing his obligation to face Michael Eifert.
The IBF confirmed that the purse session, originally expected on Friday, will take place on Tuesday instead. The adjustment follows the organization’s standard scheduling pattern, with purse bids traditionally held early in the week. Negotiations could produce a deal before Tuesday, but if the purse bid continues, the IBF will take control and award the fight to the winning bidder.
Bivol inherited Eifert as his mandatory challenger after he defeated Artur Beterbiev in their February 2025 rematch to regain light heavyweight dominance. That victory settled pending matters between the two, but it also triggered IBF requirements that were suspended during the unification order and the subsequent medical exception.
The IBF has already granted a reprieve to allow bookings to continue without forcing immediate purse intervention. Those extensions failed to produce an agreement, leaving the sanctioning body to advance the process rather than allow further delay.
Bivol has already given up one title in this period when he vacated the WBC belt rather than continue with his scheduled mandatory defense. The IBF process now offers a separate obligation linked specifically to its championship structure, independent of previous title decisions.
Eifert has held the IBF’s top contender position since his upset win over Jean Pascal and has remained in line while Bivol has resolved unification and medical issues. His mandatory status gives him enforcement protection under IBF rules once procedural deadlines are met.
The wallet hearing establishes a defined end point for negotiations. If no agreement is reached beforehand, the IBF will award promotional rights through the bidding process, removing the ability to further expand talks and forcing the fight to take place.
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Last updated on 20/02/2026
