“We have a deal in place and the event date is secured,” Olivieri stated. “Purse bid is hereby canceled. Announcement is forthcoming.”
While no date or venue was disclosed, the confirmation marks the clearest progress yet for a matchup that has repeatedly stalled since it was first ordered. The WBO had previously granted multiple deadline extensions after talks failed to advance, before ultimately scheduling a purse bid as a means of forcing resolution. That step has now been withdrawn following written assurances from both camps that an agreement has been finalized.
Smith enters the bout as the WBO interim light heavyweight titleholder. He last fought in February 2025, when he earned a points win over Joshua Buatsi on the undercard of Dmitry Bivol’s majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Smith claimed the interim belt on that show and has not competed since, with the Morrell assignment accounting for much of his inactivity over the past year.
Morrell last fought on July 12, 2025, when he edged Imam Khataev by 10-round split decision in Queens, New York. The performance drew mixed reactions and came during an extended negotiation period for the ordered fight with Smith.
In the aftermath of that bout, Morrell made a change in his corner, parting ways with longtime trainer Ronnie Shields and beginning work with Ismael Salas. He is now training in Las Vegas as preparations continue for the interim title fight.
Once contested, the Smith vs. Morrell winner will be designated the WBO mandatory challenger at light heavyweight. However, the WBO is not next in line among the sanctioning bodies, with both the IBF and WBA positioned ahead in the rotation. Bivol continues to hold the WBO and IBF titles following his rematch win over Beterbiev, though he later vacated the WBC belt.
For now, the WBO considers the issue resolved. With the purse bid canceled and a date secured internally, a formal announcement confirming the remaining fight details is expected to follow.
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