Bivol and Smith have 20 days to reach an agreement before purse bids, leaving the unified champion’s plans for Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez on hold
Dmitry Bivol’s next opponent has effectively been chosen after the WBO ordered him to defend his light heavyweight title against interim champion Callum Smith. The two sides now have 20 days to negotiate before the bout heads to a purse bid.
Smith has been waiting patiently for his mandatory opportunity after capturing the WBO interim title earlier this year. The former super middleweight world champion has rebuilt his standing at 175 pounds and now finds himself in line for another shot at a full world championship.
The order also creates another major decision for Bivol.
Re: WBO Light Heavyweight (175 lbs.) Division
The WBO World Championship Committee has officially ordered the commencement of negotiations for the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship between WBO World Champion Dmitrii Bivol & Interim World Champion Callum Smith.
Consistent with…
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) July 6, 2026
Before the WBO ruling, many expected the unified champion to pursue a trilogy bout with Artur Beterbiev or eventually target a showdown with WBC champion David Benavidez. Instead, the mandatory obligation means Bivol must either reach terms with Smith, vacate the WBO title, or risk losing the belt if he chooses another opponent.
If negotiations fail over the next 20 days, the WBO will schedule a purse bid to determine promotional rights for the bout. The winner would satisfy one of Bivol’s mandatory obligations while giving Smith his first opportunity to fight for a world title at light heavyweight since moving up from super middleweight.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Related Boxing News:
Last Updated on 2026/07/07 at 2:47 AM
Read the full article here