Dmitry Bivol’s 2026 Targets

Unified light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol has mapped out a triple-header for 2026.

After a 15-month absence caused by back surgery, Bivol is ready to re-establish his dominance, starting with a mandatory obligation. Bivol’s first order of business is a mandatory title defense against Michael Eifert. This matchup was delayed several times while Bivol recovered, but a deal was struck this week to bypass the purse bid process. The fight will serve as a support act to the Usyk vs. Verhoeven heavyweight spectacle.

Once the Eifert hurdle is cleared, the boxing world could get the resolution to the Bivol-Beterbiev saga. The two are currently locked in a 1-1 stalemate. Beterbiev claimed a disputed majority decision in late 2024, only for Bivol to return the favor with his own razor-thin majority win in early 2025. This third meeting is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events.

Should Bivol successfully navigate the trilogy, his team has its sights set on two legacy fights to close out 2026. The first option is a sequel with Canelo Alvarez, whom Bivol famously outpointed in 2022. Alternatively, Bivol could look to unify the entire division by facing David Benavidez for the WBC strap.

“Why not this year? [Benavidez is] an option for us. Benavidez, Beterbiev, you mentioned Canelo. Also, in my head, I would like to move up to get the chance to fight for another belt, in another weight class. For my soul, it would be better to move up [to cruiserweight],” Bivol said

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