Last time fight fans saw him, it was February last year, when he beat Artur Beterbiev in their rematch to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion.

That night in Riyadh marked the start of what could have been an exciting period at 175lbs.

There were several exciting contenders ready to challenge Bivol, and it felt like the revenge mission against Beterbiev was a breakthrough moment for the then newly crowned light heavyweight ruler.

However, it has been radio silence from Bivol, and much has changed, including a new number one at 175lbs.

Bivol injury opens door for Benavidez to claim number one spot

The first sign of things going wrong for Bivol concerned his WBC light heavyweight title.

With a deal signed to face Beterbiev in a trilogy fight, Bivol was forced to vacate the green and gold belt, meaning American David Benavidez was upgraded from interim to full world champion.

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While boxing politics may have scuppered the word ‘undisputed’ being attached to this eagerly anticipated trilogy fight between Bivol and Beterbiev, it was still a contest which many wanted to see.

Then came the news that Bivol would not be fighting until 2026 after having successful surgery on a long-running back injury.

The Beterbiev trilogy bout vanished, and now it was someone’s chance to steal Bivol’s spot at the top of the light heavyweight division.

Once again, it was Benavidez who benefited. Last November, he produced a dazzling, but violent performance to stop Anthony Yarde within seven rounds.

Benavidez may have had just the WBC light heavyweight title around his waist, but there were some who believed he could be the division’s new king, even if Bivol, only just a few months ago, was the undisputed champion.

Benavidez did move up to cruiserweight in May to become the WBA and WBO world champion with a stoppage win over Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez, but Benavidez has expressed a desire to move back down to 175lbs to clear up the division and get rid of any doubts that he is the best fighter at light heavyweight.

Bivol's statement win vital in crowded light heavyweight division

It’s not just at the top where there is change at light heavyweight; there is also a fast-growing pool of world title contenders ready to seize their chance.

In the UK, Willy Hutchinson and rising star Ben Whittaker are improving with every passing fight, Whittaker especially, with two back-to-back first-round knockouts.

Then there is Callum Smith, the WBO’s interim champion, who is patiently waiting for his shot at full champion Bivol. Beterbiev’s shadow also continues to linger, albeit at the age of 41; it is not known whether he is still an active fighter or has faded into retirement.

All of those on the fringes of a world title shot will be watching Saturday’s clash between Bivol and Eifert with eager eyes, trying to see if there are any signs of weakness in the defending champion.

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For Bivol, this fight is a chance to make a statement. He needs to show that after 15 months away, he is still at the peak of his powers and reclaim his throne at 175lbs.

How he does that can be done in one of two ways. Produce a boxing clinic over 12 rounds, or a knockout which puts the best at 175lbs on notice.

One thing is for sure, though, when Bivol makes his ringwalk on Saturday night, he will be returning to a light heavyweight division which has undergone major changes since his brief undisputed reign.

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