“Six months after the surgery, I feel better. I feel stronger,” Bivol said in an interview lalos boxing. “Today, I trained with my coach. I hope I can get back in the ring in May. Right now, there’s a lot of talk about Evert. In defense of the IBF. Why not?”

This path illustrates Bivol’s current reality. Despite his world title, he admits he doesn’t have complete control over his schedule. He admits that choosing his next enemy isn’t entirely up to him, even though there are many names on the horizon.

“I’m open to discussions about this fight. If I had a choice, I would choose to fight Canelo Alvarez. Why not?” Bivol said. “I can’t choose my opponent. I don’t have the position.”

A second fight with Canelo would be a huge draw. Their first meeting remains the decisive victory of Bivol’s career, and the sequel will allow him to skip the drudgery of forced defense. While he didn’t force the issue, his preference was obvious if given the chance.

Then there’s Beterbiev’s situation. The game remains a hot topic among fans as both games have been consigned to the history books. Bivol will fight for a third time based on public demand.

“Why not Beterbiev? There is an option this year. Maybe not in my next fight because I need fights like this to defend my belt,” he said. “A trilogy, if people want to see it, I’m willing to show it.”

He applied the same logic to David Benavidez, viewing these potential conflicts as a response to fan interest. His focus is simple: get back in the ring, retain his IBF belt and let the big opportunities come his way.

One comment in particular stood out about his long-term goals. Bivol hinted that his future could eventually take him beyond the 175-pound limit.

“For the sake of my soul, I want to move up to lightweight. I want to try another weight class. I want to achieve more,” he said.

It’s not a definite plan for 2026, but it sheds light on his mindset. After years of domination at light heavyweight and a major surgery, Bivol seems hungry for a new challenge and not just a repeat of past fights.

For now, the focus remains on May and Michael Evert. This is a move that prioritizes health and stability. A safe return against Eifert won’t settle the debate over Bivol’s ultimate status, but it’s a logical step for the championship to once again find its footing.

Bivol is playing the long game. By taking the mandatory fight first, he can ensure he’s 100 percent healthy before chasing the winner of the Benavidez vs. Ramirez or Beterbiev trilogy.