“I’m feeling better, six months after the surgery. I feel stronger,” Bivol said in an interview with LalosBoxing. “Today, I had training with my coach. I hope in May, I can come back to the ring. Now, a lot of talks about Eifert. A defense of the IBF. Why not?”
This path shows Bivol’s current reality. While he holds a world title, he admits he doesn’t have total control over his schedule. He acknowledged that picking his next foe isn’t 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 will choose the fight with Canelo Alvarez. Why not?” Bivol said. “I’m not in a position to choose my opponent. I’m not in the position.”
A second fight with Canelo would be a massive draw. Their first encounter remains a career defining win for Bivol, and a sequel would allow him to skip the grind of mandatory defenses. While he isn’t forcing the issue, his preference is obvious if 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 is leaving a third fight up to public demand.
“Why not Beterbiev also? There’s 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 that 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 opportunities follow.
One particular comment stood out regarding his long term goals. Bivol hinted that his future might 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 have more achievements,” he said.
This isn’t a firm plan for 2026, but it’s a revealing look at his mindset. After years of dominance at light heavyweight and a major surgery, Bivol seems eager for fresh challenges rather than just repeating past fights.
For now, the focus remains on May and Michael Eifert. It’s 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 finding his footing again.
Bivol is playing the long game here. By taking the mandatory first, he ensures he’s 100% healthy before chasing the winner of Benavidez vs. Ramirez or a Beterbiev trilogy.
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