The sanctioning body was initially scheduled to conduct a purse bid between Eifert and Bivol on Tuesday, March 3. However, the two were given an extension in the hopes that a deal can be reached in the coming days.

While Eifert isn’t a notable name, Bivol, who holds The Ring, IBF, WBA, and WBO 175-pound titles, wants to get back in the mix slowly.

After splitting a pair of decisions against Artur Beterbiev in 2024 and 2025, the 35-year-old was negotiating a rubber match with his fellow Russian. But, in the midst of those talks, Bivol opted for back surgery to address a herniated disc last August.

Eddie Hearn, Bivol’s longtime promoter, has said on numerous occasions that Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) is interested in high-stakes fights against Beterbiev, David Benavidez, the division’s WBC champion, and WBO interim titlist, Callum Smith, among others.

Eifert, who’s ranked No. 1 in the IBF and Bivol’s mandatory challenger, gained that position thanks to his 2023 unanimous decision win over former champion, Jean Pascal.

Eifert’s win against Pascal lined him up for a title shot against Beterbiev. Nevertheless, Eifert (13-1, 5 KOs) accepted a six-figure step-aside deal to allow Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) to face Bivol in an undisputed showdown. He was also gaurenteed by the IBF to face the winner. In the meantime, Eifert kept busy by facing Eduardo Jimenez on August 24, 2024.

In just two rounds, Eifert got rid of his man. But since picking up that second-round stoppage win, the highly ranked German has remained on the sidelines.