By Felix Jesus Mendoza
The world champion Dmitry Bivol He returned to professional activity this Saturday in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The fighter successfully defended his WBA, IBF and The Ring magazine crowns against Michael Eifert.
The victory was achieved by unanimous decision after twelve rounds of dominance in the ring.
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The judges delivered definitive cards of 120-107, 120-107 and 118-107 a want of the native monarch.
The fight took direction from the first episode, when Dmitry Bivol He landed a counterpunching left hook. This impact sent the German boxer directly to the canvas.
Preserve an eye fixed on tactics on the ring
Despite the fall, the challenger managed to get back up and survive the start of the match. From that moment on, Dmitry Bivol He managed the pace of the fight using his jab to mark the distance. The Russian neutralized Eifert’s offensive attempts with straight and precise blows.
At the end of the fight, the champion evaluated his performance after the long period of inactivity. “I felt strong and fast; the notion technology controlled the distance and did not take unnecessary risks after surgery”he declared Dmitry Bivol in the official interview broadcast on the DAZN network.
?? Dmitry Bivol defeats Michael Eifert via unanimous resolution (118-107 x3) and remains the undisputed gentle heavyweight champion.
?? Trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev next? pic.twitter.com/5Co9q4Sfe8
— Home of Battle (@Home_of_Fight) Would possibly perchance per chance also 30, 2026
During the middle of the fight, the monarch increased the pressure on his European opponent. Eifert tried to look for openings in the guard, but the push was not enough to overcome the champion’s technique. In the final rounds, the Russian’s work rate increased again with punishment to the body.
Successful return and future of the division
The 35-year-old fighter dispelled doubts about his physical condition after back surgery. This intervention kept him away from the ensogados since February 2025. Dmitry Bivol He exhibited the same mobility and combat reading that characterize him in the sport’s elite.
With this result, the boxer’s record improves to 25 wins and one loss on the rented circuit. The victory clears the way to seek unifications against the biggest names in light heavyweight. Future negotiations could define the direction of the category in the coming months.
The monarch’s team is already planning the next steps in the international sports agenda. “We are ready for the big cards, be it a third fight with Beterbiev or the challenge against Benavídez”said the manager of Dmitry Bivol in statements collected by the specialized portal BoxingScene.
The clash against David Benavídez gains strength after the recent unification of the Mexican-American at cruiserweight. Benavídez has expressed his interest in facing the 175-pound leaders. For now, the champion fulfilled his mandatory IBF defense without showing excessive physical wear.
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