[REVISION HISTORY]

Bivol and Smith agree to WBO title fight, avoiding purse bid

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-12 13:59 UTC → 2026-08-28 11:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bivol ~~faces WBO deadline for~~ and Smith ~~fight amid surgery~~ agree to WBO title fight, avoiding purse bid

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.

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