Unified light heavyweight champion (WBO, WBA, and IBF) Dmitry Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) now has a date and venue for his return to the ring as the Russian fighter will face his IBF mandatory challenger, Michael Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs), on May 30 in Yekaterinburg, Russia, atop an RCC Boxing card at the UGMK Arena.
Bivol, coming off surgery and a full recovery, will fulfill his mandatory defense for the International Boxing Federation against Eifert, a German contender who has steadily climbed the ranks to earn his mandatory title shot.
The event will have the support of the Russian Copper Company and will take place in a venue with a capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators, establishing itself as one of the premier boxing nights in Russia during the first half of the year.
“Yekaterinburg, see you soon! On May 30, at the RCC Boxing event, I will have my next fight. Ahead are two months of hard work to put on a beautiful and spectacular fight.
I’ll be glad to see each and every one of you, and thanks to the Russian Copper Company for their contribution to the development of the sport.
“See you soon!” Said Bivol on Instagram, delivering confirmation of his comeback.
At 33, Bivol remains one of the sport’s most solid figures. He rose to superstar status in 2022 when he decisively defeated Saul Álvarez, who had been unbeaten for nine years. Later, he engaged in one of the division’s most significant rivalries with Artur Beterbiev, where after an initial loss, a victory in the rematch allowed him to unify all four light heavyweight belts.
He then vacated the WBC belt in April 2025 following the organization’s order to defend it against David Benavidez. Bivol chose not to make that defense to prioritize a third fight against Artur Beterbiev, relinquishing the recently-won title to pursue the trilogy.
But rather than Beterbiev, Bivol now puts the unified championship on the line instead to Eifart, who faces the biggest opportunity of his career. Considered a rising contender, the German has built his path with discipline and consistent results on the European circuit. His credentials include a notable win over Jean Pascal in Canada, as well as claiming the IBF Intercontinental title, achievements that back his status as the mandatory challenger.
The bout will also mark Bivol’s second appearance under RCC Boxing. His only previous outing with the promotion took place five years ago in the Ural region, where he successfully defended his WBA super championship against Umar Salamov.
With all details confirmed, May 30 in Yekaterinburg will be the stage where Bivol resumes his professional activity and fulfills his mandatory obligations, while Eifert aims to capitalize on the title opportunity in the biggest challenge of his career.
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