Smith challenges Bivol for light-heavyweight title in Russia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 18:19 · Archive

Callum Smith will fight Dmitry Bivol for the unified world light-heavyweight championship in Russia on 12 December.

Callum Smith will face Dmitry Bivol for the unified world light-heavyweight championship on 12 December in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Smith, 36, a former WBA super-middleweight champion, will compete for the first time since beating compatriot Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 for the WBO interim light-heavyweight title. Bivol, 35, will put his WBA, IBF and Ring world titles on the line.

Smith makes a second attempt at winning a unified title after losing to Artur Beterbiev in 2024. Beterbiev then beat Bivol to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion, before losing the rematch in February 2025. Bivol has won 25 of his 26 fights, with his only defeat coming against Beterbiev. Smith has won 31 of his 33 professional bouts, including 22 by knockout.

The Independent reports that Smith's bout will take place one day after Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury clash in Cardiff. The fight occurs despite the UK government advising British nationals against all travel to Russia. British heavyweight Joe Joyce previously fought in Russia in July 2025 when he was beaten by Artem Suslenkov in Moscow.

How it is being reported

• British star set for tough Dmitry Bivol title fight on Fury vs Joshua weekendBivol defends the IBF, WBA and WBO light-heavyweight titles against Liverpool’s Callum SmithIndependent Sport · 12 Oct, 17:56
• Smith to fight champion Bivol in RussiaBritain's Callum Smith will face Dmitry Bivol for the unified world light-heavyweight championship in Russia on 12 December.BBC Sport · 12 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Callum Smith · Dmitry Bivol · Joshua Buatsi · Artur Beterbiev · Russia · Yekaterinburg

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