Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) and his IBF mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs), are reportedly set to fight on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in Egypt.
Both camps have agreed terms, meaning the purse bids will not go ahead. This marks Bivol’s first appearance since his majority decision win over Artur Beterbiev in February 2025. Bivol then vacated his WBC belt rather than face his mandatory David Benavidez, only to to then be sidelined with a back injury. After having had surgery, Bivol is ready to return. Meanwhile, Eifert has been the mandatory-in-waiting for over a year. He secured his position with a win over former champion Jean Pascal in March 2024. He enters the fight with a win over Carlos Eduardo Jimenez in August 2024.