Callum Smith to challenge Dmitry Bivol as December world title fight confirmed

Callum Smith will challenge Dmitry Bivol for the unified light-heavyweight world championship in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on Saturday 12 December.

Matchroom announced the contest on Monday, confirming the Liverpool fighter’s opportunity to face Bivol after prolonged negotiations.

The fight will take place at the UMCC Arena, with RCC Boxing and Matchroom promoting the event and DAZN broadcasting, according to talkSPORT.

Callum Smith handed Bivol title challenge

Bivol’s WBA, IBF and WBO belts are scheduled to be on the line.

Smith secured the WBO interim title by beating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025, establishing his position as the organisation’s mandatory challenger.

The former super-middleweight world champion now has a confirmed date for his attempt to become a world champion in a second division.

Bivol returns to the venue where he defeated Michael Eifert in May. The champion holds a professional record of 25 wins and one defeat.

Boxing News reports that Monday’s announcement confirms Smith as Bivol’s next opponent, following earlier discussions over the December contest.

For Smith, the assignment means travelling to the champion’s home country for one of the biggest fights of his career.

Follow Dave.Sport’s world title boxing coverage for further announcements and fight-week news.