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Dmitry Bivol targets early-2026 return after back surgery, eyes tune-up before bigger fights

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 12:25 PM ET

Light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol is aiming to box again in the first quarter of 2026 as he rehabs from August surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back, manager Vadim Kornilov told The Ring. The operation paused talks for a fall trilogy in Russia with longtime rival Artur Beterbiev, whom Bivol defeated in February to claim The Ring championship.

Bivol, 34, is midway through a six-week strength-rebuild program designed to stabilize his lumbar and prevent the flare-ups that hampered recent camps. Half the work has been completed in St. Petersburg, the remainder in Dubai, with two hours of daily therapy. When cleared, Bivol will ease back into boxing before a likely tune-up opponent to test the back under fight conditions. Team view the back issue had worsened camp-to-camp; surgery was chosen to secure longevity rather than risk another setback on a compressed timeline.

: Dmitry Bivol is expected to make his return to the ring in early 2026 as he continues recovery from his surgery

Via (@InsideRingShow) pic.twitter.com/49wXUFWJlr

— Source of Boxing (@Sourceofboxing) October 6, 2025

Why the pause made sense

Compounding symptoms: Out of camp, the back would loosen; under load, it would tighten and inflame.
Risk management: A quick return for a high-stakes bout risked aggravation and a longer layoff.
Strategic runway: A measured comeback in early 2026 sets the stage for bigger spring/summer fights.

What’s next on the board

Timeline: Q1 2026 target, health permitting.
Opponent profile: Stay-busy/tune-up first; elite names back on the table after one clean camp and rounds.
Trilogy status: Beterbiev III remains attractive but only after Bivol proves full fitness in live action.

By the numbers

Record: Bivol (24-1) at light heavyweight; The Ring champion
Surgery: August 2025 — herniated disc repair
Rehab: 6 weeks, split St. Petersburg/Dubai, ~2 hrs/day therapy
Return goal: Early 2026, then step back into top-tier contention

Bivol’s playing the long game, fix the back, bank a clean outing, then re-engage the division’s biggest fights with full confidence in his engine and durability.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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