# Bivol and Smith agree to WBO title fight, avoiding purse bid > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dmitry-bivols-title-defense-negotiations > Updated: 2026-08-27T17:01:08.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5. In early July, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) ordered unified light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to begin negotiations with interim champion Callum Smith within 20 days or face a purse bid. Bivol, coming off a win over Michael Eifert, had already declined a double-purse offer to stage a third fight with Artur Beterbiev. IBA president Umar Kremlev noted that Beterbiev even offered to fight for free to facilitate the trilogy, which the IBA expressed readiness to host in Russia or elsewhere. On 23 July, Bivol confirmed his left-elbow surgery was successful, though his recovery timetable remains unset. This medical delay has cast further uncertainty over his return and his pursuit of the Beterbiev trilogy. Promoter Eddie Hearn suggested Bivol might relinquish the WBO belt to prioritize the trilogy, potentially leaving Joshua Buatsi as a contender for a vacant title. As of 11 August, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri has granted a final extension for Bivol to reach an agreement with Smith. The parties have until 20 August to finalize terms. If no agreement is reached, the WBO will conduct purse bid proceedings on 27 August in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of a policy to maintain a single world champion per division and eliminate interim titles. On 27 August, WBO President Gustavo Olivieri confirmed that Bivol and Smith successfully avoided the purse bid process by reaching a written agreement. The deal was facilitated by Bivol’s representative, RCC Boxing, and Smith’s representative, Matchroom Boxing. While official details are pending, reports suggest the bout may take place on 12 December in Russia. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-27: Dmitrii Bivol and Callum Smith agree to WBO title fight Dmitrii Bivol and Callum Smith have agreed to terms for a WBO light heavyweight mandatory title fight, potentially scheduled for December 12 in Russia. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dmitrii-bivol-and-callum-smith-agree-to-wbo-title-fight ### 2026-08-11: Dmitry Bivol faces August 20 deadline for Callum Smith fight Dmitry Bivol has until August 20 to reach a deal with Callum Smith for a mandatory WBO light heavyweight title defense, or face a purse bid on August 27. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dmitry-bivol-faces-august-20-deadline-for-callum-smith-fight ### 2026-07-23: Dmitry Bivol's Elbow Surgery Delays Light Heavyweight Trilogy Plans Dmitry Bivol's successful elbow surgery delays his comeback and a planned trilogy fight with Artur Beterbiev, while mandatory WBO obligations and possible title vacating remain unresolved. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dmitry-bivols-elbow-surgery-delays-light-heavyweight-trilogy-plans ### 2026-07-13: Dmitry Bivol rejects double‑purse offer for Beterbiev trilogy IBA president says Dmitry Bivol rejected a double‑purse offer for a third fight with Artur Beterbiev; negotiations stall as Bivol faces a WBO deadline for a mandatory defense against Callum Smith. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dmitry-bivol-rejects-doublepurse-offer-for-beterbiev-trilogy ### 2026-07-06: Dmitry Bivol ordered to defend WBO light‑heavyweight title against Callum Smith The WBO has mandated that champion Dmitry Bivol defend his light‑heavyweight title against interim champion Callum Smith, giving both camps 20 days to negotiate before a possible purse‑bid. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dmitry-bivol-ordered-to-defend-wbo-lightheavyweight-title-against-callum-smith --- Cite as: Bivol and Smith agree to WBO title fight, avoiding purse bid. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dmitry-bivols-title-defense-negotiations