IBF Mandatory Eifert Calls Out BIVOL For Historic 5-Belt Showdown
IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert is pushing for the long-awaited showdown with reigning champion Dmitry Bivol – a fight that would carry historic significance for German boxing.
If finalized, the bout would not only mark the mandatory defense of the IBF World Title, but would most likely also include Bivol’s Ring Magazine Championship, as well as his WBO, WBA and IBO World Titles.
Historic Moment for German Boxing
The implications are unprecedented. Despite a proud tradition of legendary German world champions, this would mark the first time in boxing history that a German fighter competes for three of the four major world title belts plus the prestigious Ring Magazine title. Never before has a male German boxer challenged for unified champion status.
Eifert has made clear that respect for the champion fuels — not deters — his ambition.
“Bivol is already a legend of the sport,” Eifert said. “But that is exactly what motivates me. This is my chance for greatness. I have waited my entire life for this day. I know I can dethrone him. Let’s get it on, Dmitry!”
Eifert’s promoter Benedikt Poelchau (Blanko Sports / SES), who also manages IBF world title contender Cuban super-middleweight Osleys Iglesias, underlined the magnitude of the occasion.
“This is a mega-fight for German boxing. No other German boxer has ever been involved in such a fight. Michael is in the shape of his life.” Poelchau stated. “We are ready to stage this fight in Germany.“
Eifert Earned His Shot in the Lion’s Den
Eifert, a former WBO, WBC and IBF Youth Champion, earned his mandatory position the hard way – traveling to Quebec, Canada, in March 2023, where he surprisingly defeated former world champion Jean Pascal by clear unanimous decision in an IBF Final Eliminator – as the absolute underdog in Pascal’s hometown.
Ever since, he has been waiting for his world title opportunity.
“I have waited a long time. Now finally the IBF has given Bivol a clear deadline. I used that time to develop as a fighter in the gym. I am in the shape of my life and ready to shock the world,” Eifert said.
Remarkably, Eifert’s victory – despite Pascal’s vastly greater experience – was comparably decisive to Dmitry Bivol’s own clear win over Pascal in their WBA World Title fight in Atlantic City in 2018, underlining that Eifert has once proven himself on the same level.
The Final Questions: When and Where?
As the IBF negotiation deadline approaches – and with purse bids now increasingly likely – only three questions remain: When and where will this historic fight take place – and can Michael Eifert once again rise above himself? After surpassing expectations against Jean Pascal, Eifert now faces the absolute king of the light heavyweight division. Once again, he will enter the ring as a major underdog. Whether he can repeat the impossible – and truly dethrone Dmitry Bivol – remains the ultimate challenge. But one thing is already certain: Win or lose, when the first bell rings, Eifert will have already secured his place in German boxing history by challenging for a prize no other German boxer has ever done before.
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