Callum Smith says Bivol title fight awaits WBO approval for Russia
Callum Smith says WBO approval to stage his Dmitry Bivol title fight in Russia is holding up an official announcement. Smith believes the governing body will sanction the contest.
Callum Smith says his proposed world title fight against Dmitry Bivol is awaiting WBO approval to take place in Russia, according to Boxing News. Smith has been ordered to face Bivol, but the bout has not been officially announced.
Bivol returned from a 15-month absence in May, beating Michael Eifert on points to defend his WBA (Super) and IBF light-heavyweight titles.
Speaking on The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast, Smith explained the WBO's position on that defence and his expectation for their own contest: “Obviously, last time they didn’t sanction his last defence there because of the Ukraine war and stuff like that, but from what I am hearing I think that they will [this time].” Saturday, 12 December is believed to be the target date for Bivol-Smith, with the UMMC Arena in Yekaterinburg anticipated to host.
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More Boxing from Combat Sports UK
- Anthony Joshua is killing it in Tyson Fury camp, says Derek Chisora
- Willy Hutchinson calls out Anthony Yarde and Yarde says it is '100% a fight I want to take'
- On this day in 2008: Calzaghe beats Roy Jones Jr in his final fight
- Dana White on Billam-Smith's stoppage loss to Cheavon Clarke: 'I thought it was early'
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.