Bivol and Callum Smith Reach Agreement for Mandatory Title Defense

Dmitry Bivol and WBO mandatory challenger Callum Smith will face each other after representatives of both fighters reached an agreement to stage the bout. The news was announced by WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.

“The WBO Championships Committee received written confirmation from RCC Boxing, representing WBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, and Matchroom Boxing, representing mandatory challenger Callum Smith, that they have agreed on a venue and date for the mandatory WBO title defense,” Olivieri wrote.

The agreement means the purse bid scheduled for August 27 will no longer be necessary. The WBO stated that both camps will officially announce the date, venue and other details when the appropriate time comes.

RCC Boxing has already reserved UMMC Arena in Yekaterinburg for December 12, fueling expectations that Bivol could make his next title defense on that date. However, official confirmation of the venue and date is still pending.