“I feel better, six months after the operation. I feel stronger,” said Bivol in an interview with LalosBox. “Today I trained with my trainer. I hope in May I can come back to the ring. Now, a lot of talk about Eifert. A defense of the IBF. Why not?”
This path shows Bivol’s current reality. While he has a world title, he admits he doesn’t have total control over his schedule. He admitted that the choice of his next foe is not entirely up to him, even with massive names on the horizon.
“I’m open to discussions about the fight. If I have the option, I’ll choose the fight with Canelo Alvarez. Why not?” Bivol said. “I’m not in a position to pick my opponent. I’m not in the position.”
A second fight with Canelo would be a huge draw. Their first meeting remains a career-defining win for Bivol, and a follow-up would allow him to skip the grind of mandatory defense. Although he does not force the issue, his preference is clear when the opportunity arises.
Then there is the Beterbiev situation. With two fights already in the books, the rivalry remains a hot topic for fans. Bivol leaves a third fight to public demand.
“Why not Beterbiev too? There is an option for this year. Maybe not in my next fight because I need fights like this to defend my belt,” he said. “The trilogy, if the people want to see it, I would like to show it.”
He applied the same logic to David Benavidez, viewing these potential clashes as a response to fan interest. His focus is simple: get back in the ring, keep his IBF belt, and let the big events follow.
One particular comment stood out about his long-term goals. Bivol has hinted that his future may eventually lead him away from the 175-pound limit.
“For my soul, I want to move up to cruiserweight. I want to try another weight class. I want to achieve more,” he said.
It’s not a firm plan for 2026, but it’s a revealing look at his mindset. After years of dominance at light heavyweight and major surgery, Bivol seems eager for new challenges rather than just repeating past fights.
For now, the focus remains on May and Michael Eifert. This is a move that prioritizes health and stability. A safe return against Eifert won’t settle the debates about Bivol’s ultimate standing, but it’s a logical step for a champion to find his feet again.
Bivol is playing the long game here. By taking the mandatory first, he ensures he is 100% healthy before facing the winner of Benavidez vs. Ramirez or chasing a Beterbiev trilogy.
