WBO order Dmitrii Bivol vs Callum Smith for light-heavyweight world title

WBO Light Heavyweight Mandatory Championship Contest Dmitrii Bivol vs Callum Smith

The WBO have ordered Dmitrii Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) to defend his World light-heavyweight title to Interim champion Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs), with an agreement to be reached by July 26. After that date, the fight will go to purse bids.

The 35-year-old Russian champion claimed the WBO belt in his undisputed rematch with Artur Beterbiev in February 2025. The stylish light-heavyweight currently holds the WBA, IBF,  WBO and IBO world titles at 175lbs.

On the very same night in Riyadh, Briton Callum Smith captured the WBO Interim championship with a gritty unanimous decision win over countryman Joshua Buatsi. Now 36, the Liverpool lad hasn't fought since, spending 17 months out of the ring so far

The only other champion in stacked light-heavyweight division is the WBC beltholder David Benavidez.