Callum Smith to Challenge Dmitry Bivol for Titles in Russia
Callum Smith, a British boxer, is set to face Dmitry Bivol for the unified world light-heavyweight championship on December 12, 2026, in Yekaterinburg, Russia. This fight marks Smith's return to the ring after defeating compatriot Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 to claim the WBO interim light-heavyweight title.
Bivol, the current champion, will defend his WBA, IBF, and Ring world titles during this bout. Smith, 36, is making a second attempt at winning a unified title after previously losing to Artur Beterbiev in 2024.
Beterbiev later defeated Bivol to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion but lost in a rematch in February 2025. Smith has a professional record of 31 wins, including 22 by knockout, while Bivol has won 25 of his 26 fights, with 12 victories by stoppage.
The UK government has advised against travel to Russia, but Smith's fight will proceed despite this advisory.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Blueprint. Read the original report below.
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