Became known the next rival of the Russian champion boxer Bivol

Briton Callum Smith signed a contract for a fight with the Russian world champion on versions WBA, WBO and IBF light heavyweight Dmitry Bivol. This was announced by the General Director of RCC Boxing German Titov, whose words are cited by the press service of the organization.

Today we have completed long negotiations with the team of Callum Smith, all the necessary documents for the organization of the match against Dmitry Bivol have been signed. The organizer of the title fight is RCC Boxing, and in December we will do this fight in Yekaterinburg. As we said, the planned date is December 12, Titov said.

Smith is a mandatory contender for the WBO title, temporary WBO world champion.

In the last fight on May 30, Bivol defeated German Michael Eifert by unanimous decision of the judges in the title fight for the WBA and IBF belts. On account of the 35-year-old Russian 25 wins (11 knockouts) and one defeat from Arthur Beterbiev in the final of the tournament for the title of absolute world champion.

The 36-year-old Smith has 31 victories with two defeats (from Saul Alvarez and Arthur Beterbiev).

Bivol and Smith met at amateur level in February 2012, when the Russian won.

Bivol's promoter Eddie Hearn said in the summer that Bivol wanted a third fight with Beterbiev.

Beterbiev in October 2024 united the champion belts in the light heavyweight, defeating Bivol, but in February 2025 Bivol took revenge. Bivol later gave up the WBC belt.