[BOXING]Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith

[coin-investor]

Here is the latest update on this fight

Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith have until 20 August to reach terms for their WBO light heavyweight title fight before the sanctioning body sends the bout to a purse bid.

Source: Dmitry Bivol Facing August 20 WBO Deadline For Callum Smith Defense (https://www.boxingnews24.com/2026/08/dmitry-bivol-facing-august-20-wbo-deadline-for-callum-smith-defense/)

Since they are on the same promotion, negotiating should be easy, even if Bivol wants a third match against Beterbiev because it's a much more lucrative match against Smith; he has no choice but to come to the terms that he needs to deal with Smith first before going to Beterbiev.
Hopefully his surgery is fully healed, and he can beat Smith decisively so a Beterbiev fight will finally materialize.

[YOSHIE]

The WBO has ordered Dmitry Bivol to defend his title against the former  The WBO gave them 20 days to negotiate and come to an agreement,

I've seen the news about the boxing duel between Bivol vs Callum on X's social media.


August 20th is only a few days away, I hope the fight between Bivol vs Callum does not fail to reach an agreement, it is reported that Bivol is recovering from surgery, if this duel fails, I'm sure that if the two of them have to be brought together on a batten, it will most likely have to be done at the end of the year, considering that it will take several months to recover from the operation.

[robelneo]

The WBO has ordered Dmitry Bivol to defend his title against the former  The WBO gave them 20 days to negotiate and come to an agreement,

I've seen the news about the boxing duel between Bivol vs Callum on X's social media.


August 20th is only a few days away, I hope the fight between Bivol vs Callum does not fail to reach an agreement, it is reported that Bivol is recovering from surgery, if this duel fails, I'm sure that if the two of them have to be brought together on a batten, it will most likely have to be done at the end of the year, considering that it will take several months to recover from the operation.

He is fully recovered. I don't think his team will enter a negotiation with his surgery not fully healed; they're both under Matchroom, and we all know Eddie Hearn knows how to handle negotiations, so I believe they will come to terms.

Honestly, I don't like this match; it's not that Callum is a bad choice, it's just that there are too many good options. Beterbiev and Benavidez are blockbuster fights, and it should materialize, but Bivol has to follow WBO's ruling on the mandatory challenger. On the positive note, Callum is a good preparation for a possible Benavidez match or a trilogy against Beterbiev.

[lombok]

He is fully recovered. I don't think his team will enter a negotiation with his surgery not fully healed; they're both under Matchroom, and we all know Eddie Hearn knows how to handle negotiations, so I believe they will come to terms.

Honestly, I don't like this match; it's not that Callum is a bad choice, it's just that there are too many good options. Beterbiev and Benavidez are blockbuster fights, and it should materialize, but Bivol has to follow WBO's ruling on the mandatory challenger. On the positive note, Callum is a good preparation for a possible Benavidez match or a trilogy against Beterbiev.

It is true that professional boxing match must be thoroughly medically verified. Experience of a good management team makes sure that negotiations between boxers under the umbrella of a single management is delivered in time. Facing a leading challenger has to be fulfilled otherwise the boxing body may strip him of the championship belt.

This struggle will offer it a good challenge of quality in the following step of rest. Winning over an enduring opponent will regain confidence and will make punches in the ring sharper. The triumph will break the gate to yet another huge battle, and one which people have been eagerly looking forward to.

[acroman08]

He is fully recovered. I don't think his team will enter a negotiation with his surgery not fully healed; they're both under Matchroom, and we all know Eddie Hearn knows how to handle negotiations, so I believe they will come to terms.

Honestly, I don't like this match; it's not that Callum is a bad choice, it's just that there are too many good options. Beterbiev and Benavidez are blockbuster fights, and it should materialize, but Bivol has to follow WBO's ruling on the mandatory challenger. On the positive note, Callum is a good preparation for a possible Benavidez match or a trilogy against Beterbiev.

As of now, I doubt he is fully recovered. It may be a minor surgery, but it would still need time to heal, I mean, it's barely been a month since his surgery. Anyway, if they reached an agreement, the fight would probably still not happen for a few months, so by the time the actual fight comes, he'll probably be fully healed by then(his team probably knows this), unless there are complications.

[Cleanshit]

He is fully recovered. I don't think his team will enter a negotiation with his surgery not fully healed; they're both under Matchroom, and we all know Eddie Hearn knows how to handle negotiations, so I believe they will come to terms.

Honestly, I don't like this match; it's not that Callum is a bad choice, it's just that there are too many good options. Beterbiev and Benavidez are blockbuster fights, and it should materialize, but Bivol has to follow WBO's ruling on the mandatory challenger. On the positive note, Callum is a good preparation for a possible Benavidez match or a trilogy against Beterbiev.

As of now, I doubt he is fully recovered. It may be a minor surgery, but it would still need time to heal, I mean, it's barely been a month since his surgery. Anyway, if they reached an agreement, the fight would probably still not happen for a few months, so by the time the actual fight comes, he'll probably be fully healed by then(his team probably knows this), unless there are complications.

This very timing of this fight is quit more important than that of the negotiations itself, if they meet agreement by august 20 there is still enough time for Bivol to recover from his surgery before the next fight. It going to be an interesting fight to watch because  of a fighter like Callum Smith it going to be fun.

[Darker45]

On the contrary, it's Callum who's been inactive for quite a while. This is going to be his next fight, which isn't even scheduled yet. His last fight was already 1 year and 6 months ago.

I'm expecting Bivol to be the favorite here notwithstanding his surgeries. And although I would have preferred that his trilogy with Beterbiev should come as the topmost priority because time is of the essence especially as far as Artur is concerned, it seems it's a wiser decision to try warm Bivol up for that blockbuster. In which case, it must be imperative for the Beterbiev camp to look for another opponent to keep him busy or else he might be hanging in there for years.

[bisdak40]

Here is the latest update on this fight

Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith have until 20 August to reach terms for their WBO light heavyweight title fight before the sanctioning body sends the bout to a purse bid.

Source: Dmitry Bivol Facing August 20 WBO Deadline For Callum Smith Defense (https://www.boxingnews24.com/2026/08/dmitry-bivol-facing-august-20-wbo-deadline-for-callum-smith-defense/)

Since they are on the same promotion, negotiating should be easy, even if Bivol wants a third match against Beterbiev because it's a much more lucrative match against Smith; he has no choice but to come to the terms that he needs to deal with Smith first before going to Beterbiev.
Hopefully his surgery is fully healed, and he can beat Smith decisively so a Beterbiev fight will finally materialize.

Bivol has openly stated that he wants this mandatory with Callum Smith so i agree that this propose fight would go on without a problem. Bivol needs some time to fully recover his injury because he needs to be in his best shape before meeting Beterbiev in the trilogy so no alibi will be made if ever he losses on that one but the downside will be on Beterbiev as he will be more than 40 years old by that time when the trilogy happens. Though this fight with Smith seems to be an easy one for Bivol but i think he could make Bivol sweat on this one, hopefully.

[yhiaali3]

Most predictions favor Dimitri Bivol Because of his superior defensive skills and high technical control, especially after demonstrating his excellent physical condition in his last fight.

Any way might  there is a second possibility: that Bivol voluntarily relinquishes his WBO title to avoid facing Callum Smith. This decision will give him complete freedom to focus on an epic trilogy against Artur Beterbiev without the restrictions of the organizations.

[Dave1]

Most predictions favor Dimitri Bivol Because of his superior defensive skills and high technical control, especially after demonstrating his excellent physical condition in his last fight.

I wouldn't say that Bivol has a superior defensive skill or rely on that. He is more of a brawler type of fighter. As he throws a lot of volume because of his physical condition as if he never gets tired even after a full 12 rounds of throwing a lot of punches.

Any way might  there is a second possibility: that Bivol voluntarily relinquishes his WBO title to avoid facing Callum Smith. This decision will give him complete freedom to focus on an epic trilogy against Artur Beterbiev without the restrictions of the organizations.

He is coming from a long layoff, so there is a ring rust. Although it can be said as well on Arthur Beterbiev. But at least this is a great coming back fight for Bivol to test his skills again and be back in winning form before having his trilogy with Beterbiev next year.

[coin-investor]

Most predictions favor Dimitri Bivol Because of his superior defensive skills and high technical control, especially after demonstrating his excellent physical condition in his last fight.

Any way might  there is a second possibility: that Bivol voluntarily relinquishes his WBO title to avoid facing Callum Smith. This decision will give him complete freedom to focus on an epic trilogy against Artur Beterbiev without the restrictions of the organizations.

That's possible, mate, and as a boxing fan who loves to see fighters fighting for legacy, Callum is not a legacy fight; a Beterbiev fight or a Benavidez fight is considered career-defining, and in this generation, fighters prefer prize money and reputation.

Bivol has been a champion for many years, and he is in the twilight of his career; he needs big fights before retiring. Beterbiev is also heading to retirement, and it's a big disappointment for both of them and the boxing community if this wil not materialize.

[yhiaali3]

Most predictions favor Dimitri Bivol Because of his superior defensive skills and high technical control, especially after demonstrating his excellent physical condition in his last fight.

Any way might  there is a second possibility: that Bivol voluntarily relinquishes his WBO title to avoid facing Callum Smith. This decision will give him complete freedom to focus on an epic trilogy against Artur Beterbiev without the restrictions of the organizations.

That's possible, mate, and as a boxing fan who loves to see fighters fighting for legacy, Callum is not a legacy fight; a Beterbiev fight or a Benavidez fight is considered career-defining, and in this generation, fighters prefer prize money and reputation.

Bivol has been a champion for many years, and he is in the twilight of his career; he needs big fights before retiring. Beterbiev is also heading to retirement, and it's a big disappointment for both of them and the boxing community if this wil not materialize.

Yes, I agree with you on this point. Most boxers prefer fights with huge financial returns and public reputation to forced defensive fights that may not bring the same public or financial momentum.
Also  Bevol and Peterbeef are in the twilight of their sporting careers and both need major historical fights before retirement to build their ultimate "sporting legacy".

The absence of major fights or confrontations between these giants would be a huge and very disappointing setback for boxing fans around the world.

[TopTort777]

Many talks about Bivol and that he would better fight Beterbiev for third time. But what about Beterbiev? Does he have a booked fight already? Does he want to have a third fight? Is he able to wait for Bivol vs Smith to settle? I havent followed Beterbiev lately, but maybe he also had an injury/surgery or plan to undergo one? Is it a possible outcome for Bivol to skip Smith, but have to wait for Beterbiev to fight?

[acroman08]

Many talks about Bivol and that he would better fight Beterbiev for third time. But what about Beterbiev? Does he have a booked fight already? Does he want to have a third fight? Is he able to wait for Bivol vs Smith to settle? I havent followed Beterbiev lately, but maybe he also had an injury/surgery or plan to undergo one? Is it a possible outcome for Bivol to skip Smith, but have to wait for Beterbiev to fight?

I did a quick search, and it seems like he doesn't have a booked fight. I also found a 7 week old Instagram post(link below) where Beterbiev basically says that he wants to fight Bivol first before fighting anyone else(in the post, Benavidez was mentioned). As for the "Is it a possible outcome for Bivol to skip Smith", I found an article about it(posted it below).

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ68_hLF7W0/?igsh=MXFzN3VwemF5emQ2OQ%3D%3D

I just saw this article "'Ready to make!' - Bivol set to drop WBO belt for Beterbiev trilogy" that was posted on July 21st. It basically says that Bivol might vacate the WBO belt to make the Beterbiev trilogy happen, according to Eddie Hearn. If Bivol actually vecate the belt, Callum Smith will face Joshua Buatsi for the vacant title.

[FinneysTrueVision]

On the contrary, it's Callum who's been inactive for quite a while. This is going to be his next fight, which isn't even scheduled yet. His last fight was already 1 year and 6 months ago.

I'm expecting Bivol to be the favorite here notwithstanding his surgeries. And although I would have preferred that his trilogy with Beterbiev should come as the topmost priority because time is of the essence especially as far as Artur is concerned, it seems it's a wiser decision to try warm Bivol up for that blockbuster. In which case, it must be imperative for the Beterbiev camp to look for another opponent to keep him busy or else he might be hanging in there for years.

Bivol already had a warm up fight against Michael Eifert. He has fought Beterbiev enough times to know how to prepare for him. At this point, he might be trying to wait for Beterbiev to age out so that he can have the upper hand. That is why he’s been dragging his feet with making the trilogy happen. It’s the same strategy that Canelo used on GGG.

[Dave1]

On the contrary, it's Callum who's been inactive for quite a while. This is going to be his next fight, which isn't even scheduled yet. His last fight was already 1 year and 6 months ago.

I'm expecting Bivol to be the favorite here notwithstanding his surgeries. And although I would have preferred that his trilogy with Beterbiev should come as the topmost priority because time is of the essence especially as far as Artur is concerned, it seems it's a wiser decision to try warm Bivol up for that blockbuster. In which case, it must be imperative for the Beterbiev camp to look for another opponent to keep him busy or else he might be hanging in there for years.

Bivol already had a warm up fight against Michael Eifert. He has fought Beterbiev enough times to know how to prepare for him. At this point, he might be trying to wait for Beterbiev to age out so that he can have the upper hand. That is why he’s been dragging his feet with making the trilogy happen. It’s the same strategy that Canelo used on GGG.

On the contrary, Beterbiev is very quiet, as I check his X account,



https://x.com/ABeterbiev/status/2062602644737155476

I think but now he should be ready for a comeback fight. But so far, from what I see, he might not be ready for the trilogy while Bivol is already having another fight in Callum Smith.

[Myleschetty]

On the contrary, it's Callum who's been inactive for quite a while. This is going to be his next fight, which isn't even scheduled yet. His last fight was already 1 year and 6 months ago.

I'm expecting Bivol to be the favorite here notwithstanding his surgeries. And although I would have preferred that his trilogy with Beterbiev should come as the topmost priority because time is of the essence especially as far as Artur is concerned, it seems it's a wiser decision to try warm Bivol up for that blockbuster. In which case, it must be imperative for the Beterbiev camp to look for another opponent to keep him busy or else he might be hanging in there for years.

Bivol already had a warm up fight against Michael Eifert. He has fought Beterbiev enough times to know how to prepare for him. At this point, he might be trying to wait for Beterbiev to age out so that he can have the upper hand. That is why he’s been dragging his feet with making the trilogy happen. It’s the same strategy that Canelo used on GGG.

On the contrary, Beterbiev is very quiet, as I check his X account,



https://x.com/ABeterbiev/status/2062602644737155476

I think but now he should be ready for a comeback fight. But so far, from what I see, he might not be ready for the trilogy while Bivol is already having another fight in Callum Smith.

If Bivol isn't training to be better than his previous fight, his warm-up fight and multiple fights with Beterbiev shouldn't be used as evidence that he knows how to be ready for him.
Second, a boxer's or any fighter's silence should not be used to assess their level of preparation or likelihood of winning the fight because some fighters deliberately choose to remain silent during the most challenging preparation while making the biggest preparation through training.

[BluebloodCXVI]

Bivol is obviously the more better fighter in this matchup; the guy is so badass that even upon the back surgery that he had in 2025 and his recent elbow issue, it didn’t stop him from getting shit done in his return fight against Eifert in May.
That was clear evidence that he still got his jab, distance control and defensive timing intact.

Callum Smith on the other hand is a big dude who also happens to be a former world champion that knows how to crack and bang; so he’s obviously gonna be tough meat to chew.
Even his recent win over Buatsi was a really good one and i was very impressed with how he performed that day

But still, when it comes to ring IQ, consistency and performing at the highest level, Bivol is definitely a step ahead of Callum smith IMO, assuming that both guys are healthy.

If perhaps Bivol happens to take the Smith fight, i’d expect him to box his way to a decision over 12 rounds and keep the belt.

But if he decides to vacate it and go straight for his trilogy with Beterbiev, then i honestly think that’s the more meaningful fight for his legacy anyway.
He has already accomplished enough to have earned that opportunity.

Either way, i’m riding with Bivol, bro is just too technically sound to bet against

[pawel7777]

I'm sure the WBA's mandatory title defence order is not a surprise for Eddie Hearn (owner of the Matchroom Boxing, a company promoting both Bivol and Smith).
If there were plans of Bivol defending the title against Smith, we would know that by now, so I'm guessing they will either push for a further extension or let Bivol vacate it.
I think vacating the belt is the most sensible option. Sure, they could ask Smith to fake an injury to postpone the fight by a couple of months, but there's really no harm to Bivol if he gives up one belt.
It's very unlikely that the potential trilogy fight against Beterbiev is contingent on Bivol holding all of his current belts. Beterbiev's team was more desperate for that fight than Bivol's team, as Beterbiev is not getting any younger and that's the most profitable option for him.

From Eddie's Hearn perspective: They let Smith get the WBA belt and go for Bivol Vs Beterbiev 3. If Bivol loses, they can than tempt Beterbiev to fight Smith (if 4th fight against Bivol is off the table). If Bivol wins, they can then match him up against Smith, or just have two champions in different organisations (whichever works better for them).

[Alphakilo]

Let's not first forget about the height and reach advantage that Smith has against Bivol, because this could mean double work rate for Bivol if he wants to wins so badly despite having two major surgeries within a year on parts of his body that is the foundation of his technique.
If he can pressure Smith or control the inside, then it's possible to defeat Smith with ease just as Beterbiev and Canelo did to claim their own win over Smith.