The WBC has made an official request for Artur Beterbiev to fight Callum Smith.
Both parties have until April 11th, 2023, to negotiate the terms and conditions of the fight before a purse bid hearing is conducted.
Beterbiev, who has a perfect record of 19 wins, all of which were knockouts, is under the management of Top Rank.
On the other hand, Smith, with a record of 29 wins and only one loss, 21 of which were knockouts, is associated with Matchroom Boxing.
Although these two top-tier promotional companies have worked together in the past, there is still some way to go before this is regarded as a formality.
WBC orders Artur Beterbiev vs. Callum Smith https://t.co/Cx5z7r4B0E pic.twitter.com/gvoAWAKqZf
— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) March 15, 2023
Less than two months after successfully defending his titles against Anthony Yarde at the OVO Arena Wembley, Beterbiev has now been called into action once again. Beterbiev is currently the lineal, WBC, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion.
That is why the desire for a definitive match-up between Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the WBA light heavyweight champion with a record of 21 wins and 11 knockouts, has increased.
In contrast, Smith secured the top position in the rankings after defeating Mathieu Bauderlique in the fourth round of their WBC title eliminator in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Smith had planned to have a fight on March 11th, 2023, in his hometown of Liverpool to stay active. However, due to a back injury, he had to cancel the fight.
Despite this setback, he is still expected to meet the mandatory requirements. With that being said, the fight cannot come soon enough.