[BOXING]Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith

[bisdak40]

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.

The question now if Bivol is 100% healthy when he face Callum Smith if this pushes through. This is the fight he wanted before ultimately facing Beterbiev for the trilogy. I hate to compare but the fact that Bivol has defeated Canelo Alvarez and Arthur Beterbiev while both boxers has defeated Callum Smith convincingly, i don't think that upset will happen here because Bivol is a very disciplined fighter and stick to his game plan and hard to penetrate his defense. If fully healthy, i think he will have no problem dealing Callum Smith his 3rd loss.

[Darker45]

~snip~

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.

Well, Eifert was probably his warm-up fight after his back surgery. He'll have another one after his elbow surgery last month. He probably won't fight Artur straight from recovery. He's on a rehab right now. I hope he won't be having any surgery after his fight with Callum, or else he'll have another one more warm-up match.

But, yeah, he seems to be dragging his feet on the trilogy which, as a fan, I believe is urgent. I can't say he's afraid of Beterbiev, but I agree that it's the same poor strategy Canelo used against GGG.

[X-ray]

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.

I'd prefer to see Bivol to release his belt, then take a fight against Beterbive to give an interesting fight. Iit will be more entertaining to watch a game between two boxers who beat each other in the past instead of see him fight average smith from my POV as a viewer . lol.

But if he reluctant to release his belt, then take a tune up fight against average smith. I guess it's easy to beat smith because smith is a a weak boxer btw.

[DrBeer]

I’ll start with the least likely scenario: a victory for Callum Smith. My reasoning: he’s a natural puncher.

His "on-the-run" left hook is an extremely dangerous weapon in the light heavyweight division. And if he can capitalize on this unique skill, and catch Bivol on the counter or pin him against the ropes, he has a chance to win.

Setting that scenario aside, the other possibilities are a victory for Dmitry Bivol, either by judges’ decision or technical knockout, most likely in the later rounds.

Smith’s size? No… We know that Smith, despite his height and reach, allows his opponent to land blows to his midsection far too often and is forced to fight at close range, where his reach is no advantage; and against a powerful and well-prepared opponent, this leads to a rout and defeat....

[coin-investor]

I'd prefer to see Bivol to release his belt, then take a fight against Beterbive to give an interesting fight. Iit will be more entertaining to watch a game between two boxers who beat each other in the past instead of see him fight average smith from my POV as a viewer . lol.

But if he reluctant to release his belt, then take a tune up fight against average smith. I guess it's easy to beat smith because smith is a a weak boxer btw.

With or without the belt, fans will still support the fight. I don't think the belt will fascinate both fighters; it's a rubber match they need to complete to close the chapter on who the better Russian fighter is, and no belt can equal it.

Both fighters are accusing each other of ducking, so we need a promoter that they both respect to make this fight happen and stop the accusations.

[acroman08]

Just a bit of an update, it looks like both camps still haven't reached an agreement before the August 20th deadline, so the WBO has scheduled a purse bid for August 27.

I posted an article before where it was mentioned that Bivol might vacate his belt to pursue the trilogy fight with Beterbiev, according to Eddie Hearn. Seeing that both camps still haven't reached an agreement, I have a feeling that Bivol might actually vacate his belt in the end.

https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/bivol-callum-smith-purse-bid-scheduled-for-august-27-7cxB6MOu8dIQMtmyDNMeZE

[bisdak40]

Just a bit of an update, it looks like both camps still haven't reached an agreement before the August 20th deadline, so the WBO has scheduled a purse bid for August 27.

I posted an article before where it was mentioned that Bivol might vacate his belt to pursue the trilogy fight with Beterbiev, according to Eddie Hearn. Seeing that both camps still haven't reached an agreement, I have a feeling that Bivol might actually vacate his belt in the end.

https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/bivol-callum-smith-purse-bid-scheduled-for-august-27-7cxB6MOu8dIQMtmyDNMeZE

If ever Bivol would vacate his belt then i think he is confident enough that he is already healthy and ready to face Arthur Beterbiev for the third time. This is music to the ears on the camp of Beterbiev since they are waiting for a long time for this to happen and he is not  getting younger anymore. After this trilogy with Bivol, i think Beterbiev might consider retiring if he lose and if he wins a fight with Benavidez would be a good idea to float.

[coin-investor]

Seeing that both camps still haven't reached an agreement, I have a feeling that Bivol might actually vacate his belt in the end.

https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/bivol-callum-smith-purse-bid-scheduled-for-august-27-7cxB6MOu8dIQMtmyDNMeZE

Bivol's camp is doing it intentionally so they can set up a rubber match against Beterbiev; it's better this way, for the fans and for their legacy. Bivol and Beterbiev don't need a title on the line to fight, because there's a big clamor and a lot of money to be made from this fight.

So there is a 7-day extension. I don't think the extension will yield a new result because if they really want the fight to happen, they will make a deal right away because they are in the same promotion.

[Dave1]

Seeing that both camps still haven't reached an agreement, I have a feeling that Bivol might actually vacate his belt in the end.

https://www.ringmagazine.com/news/bivol-callum-smith-purse-bid-scheduled-for-august-27-7cxB6MOu8dIQMtmyDNMeZE

Bivol's camp is doing it intentionally so they can set up a rubber match against Beterbiev; it's better this way, for the fans and for their legacy. Bivol and Beterbiev don't need a title on the line to fight, because there's a big clamor and a lot of money to be made from this fight.

Most likely Bivol's camp is looking for another biggest payheck against Beterbiev. Same with Arthur too as age might really be catching up on him. So one big fight is all he needed before he can call it quit in boxing.

So there is a 7-day extension. I don't think the extension will yield a new result because if they really want the fight to happen, they will make a deal right away because they are in the same promotion.

They are just prolonging this fight with that 7-day extension and nothing will get out of it. Although Callum Smith might really be wanting to test himself against Bivol. But it could be a disaster fight for him as we all know that Bivol is one of the best in this division.

[acroman08]

There's an update

Looks like the Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith fight is going to happen, so Bivol vs Beterbiev won't be happening this year. I just saw a post on Instagram from ringmagazine saying that WBO has confirmed that "RCC and Matchroom have agreed a deal for Ring and unified light heavyweight champion". At the moment, there is still no confirmed date or location for the fight.

source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjGTyINFAe/

[coin-investor]

There's an update

Looks like the Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith fight is going to happen, so Bivol vs Beterbiev won't be happening this year. I just saw a post on Instagram from ringmagazine saying that WBO has confirmed that "RCC and Matchroom have agreed a deal for Ring and unified light heavyweight champion". At the moment, there is still no confirmed date or location for the fight.

Looks like Hearn convinced both fighters to make a deal. I just hope Callum will not ruin the potential third match between Bivol and Beterbiev, this fight must happen.

They have to settle the score, and the best way to do that is for both fighters to have a good record coming into that fight; the date and location should be announced soon. I want this match to happen much sooner so they can make a deal with Beterbiev.

Dealing a big match takes time and effort because of money on who takes the big percentage; this sometimes happens when two superstars are dealing, even if it's a rematch.

[Sanitough]

There's an update

Looks like the Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith fight is going to happen, so Bivol vs Beterbiev won't be happening this year. I just saw a post on Instagram from ringmagazine saying that WBO has confirmed that "RCC and Matchroom have agreed a deal for Ring and unified light heavyweight champion". At the moment, there is still no confirmed date or location for the fight.

source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjGTyINFAe/

It’s fine if there is no confirmed date yet, as long as the fight is already on track.

Although I believe Bivol is going to win here, Callum Smith is still a decent opponent, so this should be an exciting fight to watch. It’s a championship fight, and Bivol already beat Artur Beterbiev, so if Callum Smith somehow wins here, that would be a huge success for him.

Since he is the mandatory opponent, he should really prepare hard for this. Regardless, my bet would still be Bivol winning by decision.

BTW, it's not updated yet here. https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/703924

[bisdak40]

There's an update

Looks like the Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith fight is going to happen, so Bivol vs Beterbiev won't be happening this year. I just saw a post on Instagram from ringmagazine saying that WBO has confirmed that "RCC and Matchroom have agreed a deal for Ring and unified light heavyweight champion". At the moment, there is still no confirmed date or location for the fight.

source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcjGTyINFAe/

So it looks like the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev have to wait for some time. We may like it or not but this is what Team Bivol wanted, to buy some time before facing Arthur. Just like i said before, he needs to be fully healed and be in his best form because Beterbiev could defeat him if he is not 100% healthy. But we need not worry because Bivol have a high chance that he can defeat Callum Smith and make the trilogy with Beterbiev after this.

[LogitechMouse]

There's an update
---

So it looks like the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev have to wait for some time. We may like it or not but this is what Team Bivol wanted, to buy some time before facing Arthur. Just like i said before, he needs to be fully healed and be in his best form because Beterbiev could defeat him if he is not 100% healthy. But we need not worry because Bivol have a high chance that he can defeat Callum Smith and make the trilogy with Beterbiev after this.

I know that many are excited with the trilogy between the 2 of them, but let's think about this for a sec.
Beterbiev's already 41 years old, and his last 2 fights? Against Bivol in 2024 and in 2025.

His fight was February of 2025, and it has been around a year and half since his last fight. We haven't heard anything from anymore after that fight. He didn't even fight other fighters anymore. Am I the only one who thinks that Beterbiev don't want to enter the ring anymore? I mean the man's already at his post-prime years compared to Bivol who's 35 years old currently. I know that there are some here who wants that fight to happen after this fight between Bivol and Smith, and Bivol wants the trilogy to happen, but does Beterbiev wants it? That's a big IF currently... or maybe there are some articles out there that says that Beterbiev is interested in a trilogy as well. Maybe sharing a link here would be a big help.

As for this fight, I'm leaning towards Bivol as well winning despite of that not-so-good performance in his last fight, but that's coming off of an injury so it's understandable.

[TopTort777]

My 2 cents.

Buying time before meeting someone - I know some examples when buying time never played good for fighters. If there is unfinished business between two fighters; they had a draw or fights score is 1-1, then I think they should meet as soon as possible. GGG vs Canelo is a good example. They had 1-1 in series between them, but third fight has happened after 4 years only, when GGG was not in prime anymore. Beterbiev is 41 already, will turn 42 in half a year. The more time flies, the less challenging third fight will be. Fighters are losing their prime form. It is understandable that they want to earn and  prefer less dangerous opponents, but fans want top challengers and fans vote for that with their money. Waste more time and less people will be ready to pay to watch Bivol vs Beterbiev 3.

[coinrifft]

So it looks like the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev have to wait for some time. We may like it or not but this is what Team Bivol wanted, to buy some time before facing Arthur. Just like i said before, he needs to be fully healed and be in his best form because Beterbiev could defeat him if he is not 100% healthy. But we need not worry because Bivol have a high chance that he can defeat Callum Smith and make the trilogy with Beterbiev after this.

Yes, as this fight is going to happen. But time is not on the side of Beterbiev here, he is not getting any younger, and it could be true that the Bivol team is delaying the fight itself and buy sometime so that Beterbiev will get another year younger.

In terms of the Callum Smith fight, the odds will favor Bivol here. Volume punching and his punch output for this weight class is above normal. And unless Smith out punches him here, it's very hard to see how he can win against Bivol in their fight.

[acroman08]

This is not an official announcement, but according to boxingscene, someone close to the negotiations told them that the date of the fight is December 12 and the location is in Russia. I've also seen several posts online saying that the target date is December 12 and the location is Russia.

https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/dmitri-bivol-callum-smith-strike-deal-for-wbo-light-heavyweight-mandatory

[Alphakilo]

So it looks like the trilogy between Bivol and Beterbiev have to wait for some time. We may like it or not but this is what Team Bivol wanted, to buy some time before facing Arthur. Just like i said before, he needs to be fully healed and be in his best form because Beterbiev could defeat him if he is not 100% healthy. But we need not worry because Bivol have a high chance that he can defeat Callum Smith and make the trilogy with Beterbiev after this.

Yes, as this fight is going to happen. But time is not on the side of Beterbiev here, he is not getting any younger, and it could be true that the Bivol team is delaying the fight itself and buy sometime so that Beterbiev will get another year younger.

In terms of the Callum Smith fight, the odds will favor Bivol here. Volume punching and his punch output for this weight class is above normal. And unless Smith out punches him here, it's very hard to see how he can win against Bivol in their fight.

The December 12 date in Russia is enough time for Bivol to fully recover because his fighting style depends on his recovery and he would be a nightmare for Smith despite his size but Bivol has to be very careful not to make mistakes or get reinjured in the ring because that is where Smith would capitalize on his height advantage to land the win.
Bivol might have the upper hand but his body if not fully recovered in due time for this fight might be his own tragedy.

[fullfitlarry]

This is not an official announcement, but according to boxingscene, someone close to the negotiations told them that the date of the fight is December 12 and the location is in Russia. I've also seen several posts online saying that the target date is December 12 and the location is Russia.

https://www.boxingscene.com/articles/dmitri-bivol-callum-smith-strike-deal-for-wbo-light-heavyweight-mandatory

Ample time for both of them to prepare for this fight, specially Callum Smith as he want to derail the plans of a Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy.

In any case we have seen today an upset win by Hrgovic against the young Itauma so perhaps boxing fans might consider that everything can happen in this fight as Bivol might underestimate him or really having just a bad night.

I haven't check the odds though for a Callum Smith victory.

[Dave1]

There's an update

Looks like the Dmitry Bivol vs Callum Smith fight is going to happen, so Bivol vs Beterbiev won't be happening this year. I just saw a post on Instagram from ringmagazine saying that WBO has confirmed that "RCC and Matchroom have agreed a deal for Ring and unified light heavyweight champion". At the moment, there is still no confirmed date or location for the fight.

Looks like Hearn convinced both fighters to make a deal. I just hope Callum will not ruin the potential third match between Bivol and Beterbiev, this fight must happen.

They have to settle the score, and the best way to do that is for both fighters to have a good record coming into that fight; the date and location should be announced soon. I want this match to happen much sooner so they can make a deal with Beterbiev.

Dealing a big match takes time and effort because of money on who takes the big percentage; this sometimes happens when two superstars are dealing, even if it's a rematch.

Usually the bargaining power will have to be on the champion, like in  this case, Bivol. Unless Beterbiev has shown something in his comeback fight to have a bigger purse.

So it looks like Bivol could be the A-side here, maybe around 60/40 is fair enough as this is going to be their final fight. But we will have to wait and see if they can first settle the fight between Bivol and Callum Smith.

This could be a good yardstick for us fans to see whether Bivol has recovered already or Smith can upset him and thus the trilogy might be postponed.