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.