The current IBF light heavyweight titleholder, Dmitry Bivol, intends to submit a request for a medical waiver to the IBF due to his recent back surgery. This is to allow him sufficient recovery time before fulfilling his mandatory title defense obligation against Michael Eifert. Bivol’s mandatory defense against Eifert has already passed its deadline by one week.
Bivol’s Request for a Medical Waiver
The need for Bivol’s recent back surgery arose unexpectedly. His physician suggested the procedure to address a persistent issue he had been dealing with for a decade. Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) anticipates needing a recuperation period of approximately 6 to 8 weeks following the surgery. Subject to the IBF’s approval of Bivol’s medical waiver, his title defense against Eifert might be postponed until 2026.
Boxingscene initially reported Bivol’s intention to seek a medical exemption. Even if stripped of the IBF title, Bivol would retain the WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles. Holding three titles would significantly enhance the potential for the victor of the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford bout to move up to the 175-pound division and challenge Bivol in a highly lucrative, high-profile fight in 2026.
The financial gains Bivol could potentially earn from fighting the winner of the scheduled September 13th contest would likely surpass the earnings he received in his two encounters with Artur Beterbiev.
Questions Arise Regarding the Timing of Surgery
Certain observers are raising questions about the timing of Bivol’s back surgery. They speculate that if the underlying problem had persisted for a decade, why did he opt to undergo the procedure now? Some suggest that he may be using the surgery strategically to avoid not only the IBF-mandated defense against Eifert but also a third match against Beterbiev.
A third fight against Beterbiev would present considerable risks for Dmitry, given his previous loss to Beterbiev in 2024 and the near stoppage he faced in the twelfth round of their rematch last February.
The second fight was characterized by an unusual dynamic, with Beterbiev dominating Bivol through the initial five rounds before seemingly ceasing his offensive pressure from rounds six through eleven. However, in the twelfth round, Beterbiev abruptly resumed his attack, inflicting significant punishment on Bivol. It’s understandable why Bivol might prefer to avoid facing Beterbiev in the immediate future, particularly if he is considering a potential fight against the victor of the Canelo-Crawford matchup.
