Sports · Combat Sports · 9 hrs ago
Callum Smith to challenge Dmitry Bivol for titles in Russia
Britain’s Callum Smith will fight Russia’s Dmitry Bivol on 12 December in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Bivol is the unified light-heavyweight champion and is expected to defend several world titles.
Smith, a former world champion at super-middleweight, is seeking a title in a second weight division.
He last fought in February 2025, when he beat fellow Briton Joshua Buatsi.
Bivol has fought once since February 2025, beating Michael Eifert in May.
The WBO ordered the fight as a mandatory title defence, so Bivol must face Smith to defend his title.
A win would give Smith another chance to become a unified champion after he lost to Artur Beterbiev in 2024.
Callum Smith will challenge Dmitry Bivol for world light-heavyweight titles in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on 12 December.
The WBO ordered the fight as a mandatory title defence.
Reports differ on which belts Bivol will defend: BBC Sport lists the WBA, IBF and Ring titles, while ESPN lists the IBF, WBO, WBC and Ring belts.
Smith, 36, has not fought since beating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025.
Bivol, 35, has fought once since February 2025, beating Michael Eifert in May.
- Who
- Britain's Callum Smith and Russian Dmitry Bivol.
- What
- Smith will challenge Bivol for world light-heavyweight titles.
- When
- 12 December 2026.
- Where
- Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- Why
- The WBO ordered the bout as a mandatory title defence.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Smith lost to Artur Beterbiev.
Smith beat Joshua Buatsi for the WBO interim light-heavyweight title.
Bivol beat Michael Eifert.
Smith is scheduled to challenge Bivol in Yekaterinburg.
- Fight date
- 12 December 2026
- Venue city
- Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Smith's record
- 31 wins, including 22 by knockout, and two defeats
- Bivol's record
- 25 wins, including 12 knockouts, and one defeat
- Title-ordering body
- WBO
Sources
Related news
AEW’s Anna Jay Says She Will Have Shoulder Surgery
Michael Page signs multi-year deal with Misfits Boxing after UFC exit
Wrestling Observer Live recaps major wrestling events and discusses TNA
Dubois to defend WBO heavyweight title against Wardley in London rematch
Nico Ali Walsh loses unanimous decision to unbeaten Treavon Craycraft
Kayla Harrison says neck surgery made her question her recovery
Kenny Omega proposes three-way match for IWGP title opportunity
Sam Holloway leaves WWE ID program after two years
Brendan Allen submits Christian Leroy Duncan in fifth-round UFC main event
Alalshikh says Canelo Alvarez will fight in Riyadh despite airport attacks
Jon Jones says Gable Steveson needs more sparring after UFC knockout loss
