Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) has been given until August 20 to reach a deal with Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) for a WBO light-heavyweight title fight, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has confirmed, with purse bid proceedings set for August 27 in San Juan if no agreement is reached.
“The WBO Championships Committee has granted the parties a final extension, through August 20, 2026, to reach terms for the Mandatory bout, consistent with the WBO’s 1 World Champion per division policy and the objective of eliminating the Interim title. Should an agreement not be reached by the deadline, purse bid proceedings will be conducted on August 27, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico,” Olivieri
Bivol reclaimed the undisputed light-heavyweight throne with a majority decision win over Artur Beterbiev in their February 2025 rematch, but relinquished the WBC title two months later, with David Benavidez elevated in his place.
Smith currently holds the WBO interim title and is the mandatory challenger. One possible outcome would see Bivol vacate the WBO belt in favor of a third fight with Beterbiev, with Smith elevated to full champion.