Dmitri Bivol revealed his most desirable options at 175 pounds while expressing interest in a potential jump to cruiserweight.
The unified world champion has not fought since his victory by majority decision over Artur Beterbiev in February 2025, at the time when he took his revenge to become the undisputed king of light heavyweights.
Shortly after, a lengthy process of back surgery and recovery forced him to relinquish his WBC title, rather than defend it against his then-mandatory challenger, David Benavidez.
As a result, Benavidez is now the WBC champion in his own right while Bivol, who now has his IBF mandatory duty to attend to, is expected to return to action against Michael Eifert later this year.
But while Eifert represents a strong opponent, especially after more than a year in the ring, Bivol also recognizes that his most lucrative opportunities will likely present themselves toward the end of 2026.
One of those matchups could be an uncontested showdown with first-ranked Benavidez expected to collide with unified cruiserweight world champion Gilberto Ramirez in May.
Adding to this, the 35-year-old said Fight Hub TV that a trilogy fight with Beterbiev, or even a rematch with Canelo Alvarez – who he dominated in 2022 – could both present themselves as possible options.
Perhaps more surprisingly, however, Bivol also hinted at a potential move up in weight, reportedly targeting cruiserweight world champions Jai Opetaia, Noel Mikaelian and the winner of Ramirez vs. Benavidez.
“Why not this year? [Benavidez is] an option for us. Benavidez, Beterbiev, you mentioned Canelo.
“Also, in my head, I would like to progress to have the chance to fight for another belt, in another weight category. For my soul, it would be better to progress [to cruiserweight].”
Speaking to the media, Bivol added that his orderly clash with Eifert is expected to go to a tender hearing soon.
