Dmitry Bivol will defend the unified light-heavyweight titles this weekend, although not in the fight that was expected.
Fifteen months after Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) narrowly outpointed Artur Beterbiev to secure undisputed status, leveling the score in their rivalry at 1-1, the champion will fight Michael Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs).
The bout takes place on home soil for Bivol, 35, as he boxes the German, 28, in Russia. But thoughts have already turned to Bivol’s next bout, with fans craving a trilogy clash against Beterbiev or a match-up with David Benavidez.
However, Beterbiev has not fought since his loss to Bivol, while Benavidez’s most-recent outing was a unified-title win up at cruiserweight. Still, 41-year-old Beterbiev wants revenge against his compatriot, and Benavidez still has an eye on Bivol.
Here’s all you need to know.
When is the fight?
Bivol vs Eifert will take place on Saturday 30 May at the UMMC Arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The main card is due to begin at 4pm BST (8am PT / 10am CT / 11am ET), with main-event ring walks any time from 6.45pm BST (10.45am PT / 12.45pm CT / 13.45pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The event will stream live exclusively on DAZN worldwide. You can purchase a DAZN subscription here, with plans starting at £15.99 per month.
Fight card in full
Subject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion
Dmitry Bivol (C) vs Michael Eifert (IBF, WBA, WBO light-heavyweight titles)
Vsevolod Shumkov vs Christian Olivo (featherweight)
Mukhammad Shekhov vs Yerni Betancourt (super-bantamweight)
Vadim Tukov vs Sebastian Papeschi (middleweight)
Nikita Zon vs Nahuel Gonzalo Garcia (super-middleweight)
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