British boxer Callum Smith will challenge Russian champion Dmitry Bivol for the unified light-heavyweight championship on 12 December in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The bout represents a significant opportunity for Smith, who is seeking to become a two-division champion following his interim title win in 2025. The 12-round contest will see Bivol defend his WBA, IBF and Ring belts against the ambitious British challenger.
Bivol enters the matchup as the defending unified champion, holding three of boxing’s most prestigious light-heavyweight titles. The Russian’s reign at 175 pounds has established him among the division’s elite competitors, and this December showdown will test his dominance against an opponent aiming to capture multiple championship belts.
Smith’s path to this championship opportunity culminated in his interim title success earlier this year, demonstrating his credentials at light-heavyweight and setting up this high-stakes encounter against one of the division’s premier champions. The move to challenge Bivol marks a defining moment in Smith’s career as he pursues championship glory at a second weight class.