Dmitry Bivol has been dealt a major setback ahead of his trilogy showdown with Artur Beterbiev.
Beterbiev was victorious in their first encounter, which took place last October in what was a history making victory for the Russian as he became the first undisputed champion at 175lbs within the ‘four belt era’.
It is now widely known that Bivol will lock horns with his countryman for a third time, although he may have one less title, as he has been ordered to face IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert next.
Eifert was previously set to be ordered to face former champion Beterbiev before the 40-year-old went ahead of his rematch with Bivol, so it is unlikely he will be put on the sidelines once more.
It remains to be seen whether the IBF will go on to strip the Russian star of his title, just months after he was forced to vacate his WBC light-heavyweight crown when he was ordered to defend it against David Benavidez, who has since been elevated to champion and is set to make the first defence of his crown against Anthony Yarde.
Meanwhile, Dan Rafael reports that the third fight between the two elite Russians has been pushed back until 2026 after the original target was the end of this year.
