Light heavyweight Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) has withdrawn from his scheduled April 18 homecoming bout against David Morrell due to an unspecified injury.
As a result, Ben Whittaker (11-0, 6 KOs) has been elevated to the main event slot against Braian Nahuel Suarez. The postponement is a significant blow to the 175-lb division. Smith was set to make the maiden defense of his WBO interim light heavyweight title, which he captured by defeating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025.
The WBO has formally requested that Team Smith submit a certified medical report within ten days, detailing the diagnosis and expected recovery timeline. To retain his interim status, Smith must reschedule the Morrell fight to take place within 180 days of the Dmitry Bivol vs. Michael Eifert clash (currently set for May 30, 2026, in Russia). Failure to meet this window will result in Smith being stripped of the belt.