But much of the conversation around The Ring’s No. 6-ranked pound-for-pound fighter is about his plans for 2027.

England’s Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) is certainly no step-over. Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) is clearly favored, however, to retain his Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight titles, against Smith, a former super middleweight titleholder and The Ring’s No. 2 light heavyweight contender.

“I’m in preparation for this fight now in the UAE,” Bivol said during the newest episode of “Inside The Ring,” which premiered Thursday on DAZN and The Ring’s YouTube channel. “I didn’t sign the contract yet because I didn’t get it yet. But in my head, I am working for this fight. I have started my camp. He’s very tall and very hungry. He wants to have a belt. It’s a good chance for him. I have three belts now. I should be ready for a great fight.”

The 35-year-old Bivol returned from back surgery on May 30 to easily outpoint Michael Eifert, his outmatched IBF mandatory challenger.

That fight marked the first for Bivol since he beat Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) by majority decision in their rematch in February 2025. Bivol avenged his lone loss, also a majority decision, in October 2024.

Russia’s Bivol, who was named the 2022 “Fighter of the Year” by The Ring after besting Canelo Alvarez and Gilberto Ramirez, would like to revisit a rematch against Alvarez. He is also open to a fight against David Benavidez – who has the WBC belt Bivol vacated last year and the WBA and WBO cruiserweight crowns.

“Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez are the three biggest fights for me right now – one of them would be good,” Bivol said. “There is still some fire inside of me. It would be great if it’s one more belt in another division, or the [WBC light heavyweight] belt [currently held by Benavidez] to again be undisputed. That’s also great.”

The most likely next fight for Bivol is a trilogy against his rival, Beterbiev, who turns 42 in January. Bivol’s manager, Vadim Kornilov, told The Ring last month that the trilogy should take place sometime in the spring of 2027.

“If it happens, I will be happy, of course,” Bivol said. “I don’t have too much time. I don’t want to be an active fighter until I am 40. I want to retire earlier. If this fight happens by May, and all sides agree, I would be happy. Because before, some negotiations were stuck, and we couldn’t agree.”

After 24 hotly contested rounds, many expect the third fight to follow the same script.

“I think in his mind [Beterbiev] should just push, more, more and more,” Bivol said. “I think this is the main goal. But I am pretty sure at this age, me and him, we cannot change too much and add something special. If we are 22, 25 years old, yeah, it could be easier.

“If you are adding something new at this age, it could be worse for you. Maybe some strategies or tactics you could change a little bit. Or you can improve your stamina and physical conditioning and use it. This is what I think.”

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.