On the Inside The Ring show, Max Kellerman pointed to a standard concern for fighters getting back from similar procedures.
“Often, guys aren’t the identical after back surgery,” Kellerman said.
That concern becomes more specific with Bivol, whose style relies heavily on footwork, spacing, and constant in-and-out movement. Michael Coppinger highlighted that dependency while assessing the matchup.
“That’s true, especially a man in Bivol, who really uses that movement. He is available in like fencing out and in. He must be at his,” Coppinger said, before noting that Eifert represents a reputable test despite limited top-level experience.
The February 2025 rematch with Beterbiev was a career-defining win for Bivol, nevertheless it clearly took a toll. Despite the fact that Bivol won the bulk decision to turn out to be undisputed, that twelfth round was a automobile crash. Taking that sort of fireplace at 34, then immediately heading into a significant surgery for a 10-year-old injury, often triggers a “physical cliff.”
When a fighter relies on rhythm and twitch reflexes, like Bivol’s “fencing” style, the margin for error is razor-thin. If he’s lost even 5% of his lateral speed, he becomes hit-able.
Eifert’s best win got here against former champion Jean Pascal in 2023, though Pascal was 40 on the time. Still, the mandatory position places Bivol in a situation where he must perform immediately following a layoff tied to surgery.
“There’s no good options if you happen to’ve got a foul back,” Kellerman added. “You higher look good against Eifert. Do away with that rust to see how he can move around.”
Dmitry is anticipated to pursue a 3rd fight with Artur Beterbiev or a bout with David Benavidez later this 12 months, making his condition against Eifert a key early indicator.
Bivol has won 24 of 25 fights by controlling distance and pace, and that style leaves little margin if his movement is affected.