Dmitry Bivol\u2019s return from back surgery will come against IBF mandatory Michael Eifert on Saturday in Ekaterinburg, Russia, a title defense that many boxing fans view as little greater than a tune-up for the unified light heavyweight champion.<\/p>\n
Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs) earned his mandatory position three years ago when he defeated former world champion Jean Pascal in an IBF eliminator in Montreal. Since then, he has boxed just once while waiting for his title opportunity.<\/p>\n
The long delay got here as Bivol and Artur Beterbiev fought twice before Bivol underwent back surgery and spent months recovering.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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,\u201d said Eifert to The Ring<\/a> about finally getting a world title shot. \u201cIt was an extended wait, an actual rollercoaster.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, 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,\u201d said Bivol.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat more can I do? [Winning the eliminator] gives me the precise to challenge the champion.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n 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\u2019s top pound-for-pound fighters despite the controversy that followed his majority decision win over Beterbiev of their rematch.<\/p>\n Eifert acknowledges the challenge in front of him but says the chance is well worth the risk.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI actually have nothing to lose.<\/strong> 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,\u201d said Eifert.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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