Dmitry Bivol wanted another blockbuster fight before the end of 2026. Instead, the unified light heavyweight champion’s year will continue to be defined by mandatory challengers.
The WBO announced that Bivol and interim champion Callum Smith have submitted written confirmation that they have agreed to fight next, avoiding a purse bid that would’ve been ordered had the two sides failed to reach terms. The sanctioning body initially gave both camps until Aug. 27 to finalize an agreement.
According to RCC Boxing, Bivol’s co-promoter, and Matchroom Boxing, which represents Smith, the camps also have a date and venue in mind for the championship fight. For Bivol, it means another mandatory defense rather than the marquee matchup he had hoped would close his year.
Bivol Wanted Beterbiev or Benavidez
Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) currently holds The Ring, WBA, IBF and WBO light heavyweight championships, placing him at the center of one of boxing’s deepest divisions.
But the 35-year-old Russian has made no secret about the fights he really wants. After defeating Michael Eifert on May 30, Bivol identified former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev and WBC champion David Benavidez as the opponents he wanted before the end of the year.
Either fight would carry significantly more attention than another mandatory defense. A third meeting with Beterbiev would settle one of boxing’s best rivalries. A showdown with Benavidez could once again determine an undisputed light heavyweight champion. For now, neither is happening. Callum Smith is next.
Another Mandatory for Bivol
Bivol returned May 30 following a 15-month layoff caused by back surgery and was immediately tasked with defending against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.
Any concerns about ring rust disappeared quickly. Bivol dominated Eifert over 12 rounds in Russia, cruising to a wide unanimous-decision victory and reminding the division why he remains one of boxing’s most technically accomplished fighters.
His comeback was followed by another physical setback when Bivol underwent surgery on his left elbow. Still, his intention was clear. Get healthy, then pursue something big. Instead, another mandatory challenger was waiting.
Callum Smith Gets Another Shot at 175-Pound Glory
Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) isn’t simply a mandatory opponent. The 36-year-old Brit is a former Ring and WBA super middleweight champion who now has an opportunity to become a two-division world champion.
Smith hasn’t fought since defeating Joshua Buatsi on Feb. 22 in Riyadh to capture the WBO interim light heavyweight championship. His road to Bivol wasn’t supposed to be this direct.
Smith was initially ordered to face David Morrell, with the winner becoming the mandatory challenger for Bivol’s WBO championship. Their fight was scheduled for April 18, but Smith withdrew after suffering an injury during training camp.
Morrell elected not to wait. The Cuban instead faced Zak Chelli on May 9 and suffered a 10th-round stoppage loss. That dramatically changed the WBO picture and ultimately resulted in the organization ordering Bivol to defend against Smith. The two sides have now reached an agreement.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
