Michael Eifert has no complaints about losing to Dmitry Bivol. Instead, the German challenger left the ring with even greater respect for the undisputed champion, ranking him among boxing’s three best fighters and offering his verdict on a potential showdown with David Benavidez.
Speaking exclusively to World Boxing News, Eifert reflected on the biggest fight of his career, offering an honest assessment after falling short against one of the sport’s elite.
“It was an incredible experience to share the ring with Bivol,” Eifert told WBN.
“This fight has made me more motivated than ever to keep improving and chase my goals in the sport.”
Bivol Among the Best
Eifert, who landed just 12 punches in the fight, never questioned whether accepting the offer was the right decision.
Despite suffering the first defeat of his professional career, the German insists he earned the right to compete at world level and believes the experience has only strengthened his ambition.
“I felt ready for Bivol. I wanted to challenge myself against the best fighter in my division.
“Throughout the fight, I never felt like I didn’t belong at the level. Never felt hurt. Even after the knockdown. I was comfortable, enjoyed the challenge and embraced every moment of it.
“That said, Bivol is by far the best fighter I’ve ever shared the ring with.”
After twelve rounds opposite the undisputed champion, Eifert has little doubt where Bivol belongs among boxing’s elite.
“I would rate him within the Top 3 pound for pound.
“After sharing the ring with him, I can say firsthand that his skill level is exceptional.”
Those comments echo what Eifert and his manager, Benedikt Poelchau, told WBN after the fight. Neither blamed inactivity, the first-round knockdown nor any other factor for the defeat. Both simply accepted that the better fighter won on the night.
Benavidez Verdict
Having experienced Bivol’s speed, timing and ring IQ firsthand, Eifert believes a fight with David Benavidez would be one of the sport’s most compelling matchups.
“That’s a 50-50 fight to me.
“Bivol has incredible boxing skills and ring IQ, while Benavidez brings pressure, high punching volume and toughness.
“What a fight!”
The opinion carries extra weight coming from someone who has just shared the ring with Bivol over twelve championship rounds.
More Motivated Than Ever
The defeat has only strengthened Eifert’s determination.
“I’m hoping to be back in the ring as soon as possible.
“This fight has only fueled my ambition and made me hungrier than ever to work my way back into a world title fight.
“I’m ready to take on any challenge and prove myself again.”
Rather than leaving Russia searching for excuses, Eifert returns with something more valuable: experience.
He can now call himself a world title challenger, knowing he tested himself against one of the finest technicians of his generation and emerged determined to fight his way back to another opportunity.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
