Dmitry Bivol Ordered To Defend His Light Heavyweight Title

Dmitry Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) has been ordered to make his next WBO light heavyweight title defense against Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs).

The WBO has opened a 20-day negotiation period, with a purse bid to follow if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.

“The WBO World Championship Committee has officially ordered the commencement of negotiations for the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship between WBO World Champion Dmitrii Bivol & Interim World Champion Callum Smith,” Olivieri

The order comes just days after Bivol underwent successful elbow surgery. Despite the procedure, his team has indicated the unified champion is expected to return later this year.

Meanwhile, Smith earned his mandatory position by winning the WBO interim light heavyweight title and has been waiting for a shot at the full champion. The former WBA super middleweight titleholder is looking to become a two-division world champion.

Bivol must now either defend against Smith, relinquish the WBO belt, or seek an exemption if he wants to pursue another fight first.