Boxing
The return of Dmitry Bivol raises doubts before the fight with Eifert
Bivol’s victory over Malik Zinad in Riyad last year did not reassure doubters. Zinad entered the fight with circumscribed reputation value and no major victories over proven rivals. He was seen by many as a replacement opponent rather than as the sort of challenge that would show where the champion stood.
Previously, at the end of 2023, Bivol overtook Lyndon Arthur. Arthur is a capable fighter with solid credentials, but critics viewed this result as a good career win rather than a statement against one of the division’s top fighters.
Then came two fights with Artur Beterbiev. Bivol lost the first match and officially won the rematch by majority decision, but many fans believed the second fight could have ended in a draw. This has caused more debate than certainty as to where he stands at the top of the airy heavyweight division.
Now Bivol will face Eifert after a long period out of the ring and spine surgery. By fight night, he will have been inactive for over a year. For a fighter whose style depends on footwork, balance, timing and controlled movement, inactivity may carry greater risks than for the average boxer.
None of this means that Bivol is over or has been diminished. Elite boxers have made a robust comeback after earlier layoffs. However, this return comes with more questions than multiple title defenses.
Heroes can only live on their reputation for so long. On May 30, Bivol has a chance to prove that, at his level, he can still perform in the present tense, not the past tense.
Still, the 16-month break poses a huge obstacle for Bivol. When he enters the ring in Yekaterinburg on May 30, he will not be circumscribed only by inactivity, but by the physical reality of spine surgery. A herniated disc for a movement-based fighter like Bivol is a different beast than for a stationary slugger.
If these lateral movements, or the characteristic spring in his step, are reduced by even 10%, Bivol’s version of the “elite technician” could become a thing of the past.
It can be said that his resume is largely based on his victory over Zurdo Ramirez in 2022. Since then, the trajectory has been unclear.
Although he received the majority decision in February 2025, it did not exactly end the case. As I noted, many saw Beterbiev draw or narrowly win.
Victories over Malik Zinad and Lyndon Arthur kept the belts balmy, but didn’t provide the drag needed to prove he was still the pound-for-pound threat he was when dismantling Canelo.
Turning 36 is the established drop off a cliff into lighter, speed-dependent weights. Even in the airy heavyweight division, reflexes are usually the first thing to look at.
Michael Eifert is an engaging choice to return. On the one hand, he’s an IBF must-see, so Bivol has to fight him to keep the hardware. Then again, his only real claim to fame is his 2023 decision on the very faded Jean Pascal. He is younger (28) and fresh, but he hasn’t shown the world-class equipment that would normally cause problems for Bivol.
If Bivol fights Eifert or looks sluggish, the talented narrative surrounding the Beterbiev fight will only become louder. Fans are looking for the 2022 version of Bivol, but after repairing his back and four years of aging since his last dominant win against an elite name, we may be looking at a champion fighting on borrowed time.
Boxing
Zab Judahs Final Prediction on Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez: The Impact of KOing Sparring Partners
LIVE COVERAGE
World Boxing News provides live results and updates from George Liddard’s European middleweight title clash with Dario Morello at the Copper Box Arena in London.
The undefeated Liddard faces the biggest test of his career against experienced Italian Morello, with the vacant European middleweight championship on the line.
Three other vacant titles will be decided on the card as Jimmy Sains, Emmanuel Buttigieg and Tiah Mai Ayton attempt to take the next step in their careers.
Live Scorecard –George Liddard vs. Dario Morello
Live Results
Times are local BST
19:45
Tiah Mai Ayton won the vacant Commonwealth featherweight title in a solid display against Ellie Hellewell. The Hellewell corner called off the fight after six completed rounds as Ayton made it seven straight wins as a pro and pushed towards world honors.
18:52
Connor Mitchell gets four useful rounds under his belt with a 39-37 points victory over Caine Singh.
Singh made him work for it, but the all-action Mitchell did enough to get his hand raised.
18:16
Louie Ward moved to 3-0 with a dominant performance, stopping Jon Martinez in the third round.
Ward was in control throughout before forcing the finish to secure another impressive victory.
17:42
Ioan Croft dropped Tomas Reynoso early on before seeing out a sixth round victory. The referee waved the fight off with just over a minute left of the round.
17:10
Harley Burrows opened the show with a first round stoppage of Carlos Ronner. Burrows pinned Ronner on the ropes and waded in until the referee halted the contest.
TV Coverage and Remaining Bouts
United Kingdom: DAZN
- George Liddard vs. Dario Morello – Vacant European Middleweight Title (12)
- Jimmy Sains vs. Tom Cowling – Vacant Commonwealth Middleweight Title (12)
- Emmanuel Buttigieg vs. P A Gordon – Vacant English Middleweight Title (10)
Preview
Liddard enters his first European title fight with a perfect 14-0 record as the 24-year-old attempts to continue his rapid rise through the middleweight division.
Morello brings considerably more experience at 26-1 and arrives in London undefeated since 2019.
The event takes place at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing promoting the card.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.
Read Phil Jay’s full bio and latest stories.
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