Dmitry Bivol Returns Against A Challenger Few Fans Care

The long delay got here as Bivol and Artur Beterbiev fought twice before Bivol underwent back surgery and spent months recovering.

“I needed to learn patience, but knowing what I used to be waiting for helped: A likelihood to fight for 4 belts. A fight like that’s my dream since childhood. Ultimately, every little bit of waiting was value it,” said Eifert to The Ring about finally getting a world title shot. “It was an extended wait, an actual rollercoaster.”

Many fans have questioned whether Eifert belongs in a championship fight of this magnitude, particularly after such an extended period of inactivity. The German believes he has already answered those doubts.

“Well, the IBF designated boxing legend and former world champion Jean Pascal to face me in a world title eliminator. I went to his hometown of Montreal, Canada, and clearly beat him,” said Bivol.

“What more can I do? [Winning the eliminator] gives me the precise to challenge the champion.”

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) enters the fight as a heavy favorite. The 35-year-old holds The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO titles and stays certainly one of the game’s top pound-for-pound fighters despite the controversy that followed his majority decision win over Beterbiev of their rematch.

Eifert acknowledges the challenge in front of him but says the chance is well worth the risk.

“I feel everyone in boxing agrees that Bivol is an almost flawless boxer. Among the finest light heavyweights the game has ever seen. A real legend and an awesome champion.

“I actually have nothing to lose. I consider in myself and have worked my whole life towards today. I’ll leave my heart in that ring to dethrone Dmitry. Every thing else, we’ll see within the ring,” said Eifert.