After undergoing back surgery in August, The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO light heavyweight champ recently announced that he’ll return on May 30 against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert at UMMC Arena in Ekaterinburg, Russia. The Ring has learned that the winner will be immediately ordered to face either David Morrell or Callum Smith.

Smith and Morrell, respectively ranked third and sixth by The Ring, will face off April 18 at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. They’ll fight for Smith’s WBO interim title in Smith’s hometown.

Both Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) and Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) have been inactive. Smith hasn’t been seen since beating Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of Riyadh Season’s “The Last Crescendo” card in February 2025. Cuba’s Morrell hasn’t fought since beating Imam Khataev by split decision on “The Ring III” undercard July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs) might not be happy about facing the winner. The 35-year-old hoped after facing Eifert to box WBC champ David Benavidez or take rematches against Artur Beterbiev or Canelo Alvarez.

The Russian star avenged the lone defeat of his career at the hands of Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs) in February 2025 and became the division’s undisputed champion.

Shortly after, the Bivol and Beterbiev attempted to make a third fight happen. That rubber match never took place because Bivol opted for back surgery.

Bivol previously defeated Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) in May 2022 by unanimous decision. That victory boosted his profile and popularity.

Although he has never officially fought Benavidez, the two have spent countless rounds sparring one another. Bivol, in early 2025, was ordered by the WBC to face Benavidez, who held the interim title at the time. While he seemed interested, Bivol decided to vacate his strap to pursue a third fight with Beterbiev.

Benavidez (31-0, 25 KOs) is preparing for a matchup against WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez on May 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Benavidez has promised to return to the light heavyweight division after challenging Ramirez for showdowns against Bivol and Beterbiev.