Vadim Kornilov, manager of unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, tells Lance Pugmire that his charge intends to return in “March or April” against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.
Per
Kornilov, Bivol (24-1, 12 KO) underwent back surgery this past August and intends to return to camp “soon.” Bivol overcame an awful stretch in the middle rounds to claim a majority decision over rival Artur Beterbiev in their February rematch, then vacated the WBC title in the face of a potential showdown with then-interim champion David Benavidez, who went on to smoke Anthony Yarde after being elevated.
Eifert (13-1, 5 KO) is coming up on three years as mandatory challenger after beating Jean Pascal in a March 2023 final eliminator. The IBF ordered Beterbiev to face him after the former’s initial victory over Bivol, but accepted Bivol’s petition for an immediate rematch. I cannot fathom a universe in which he gives Bivol the slightest hint of trouble, but at least it seems like Bivol will take care of it while Benavidez has his cruiserweight adventure against Zurdo.
