Dmitry Bivol Expected to Pass on Callum Smith Defense for Trilogy Bout

Dmitry Bivol is expected to pass on his WBO mandatory defense against Callum Smith in favor of a trilogy bout against Artur Beterbiev.

What happened?

According to Eddie Hearn, Bivol's promoter, the former undisputed light heavyweight champion is eager to complete his trilogy against Beterbiev, rather than facing Smith for the title. Hearn stated that Bivol wants the Beterbiev fight, which would leave Smith without a title shot.

Why it matters for Dmitry Bivol

Bivol's decision to prioritize the Beterbiev trilogy over his mandatory defense against Smith has significant implications for the Russian boxer's career. If Bivol and Beterbiev reach an agreement, Smith would be left without a title shot, potentially setting him up for a bout against Joshua Buatsi for a vacant championship.

What comes next?

Hearn's expectation depends on the Beterbiev trilogy taking precedence over the WBO's mandatory order. If Bivol and Beterbiev complete their trilogy, Smith's opportunity may come against another opponent rather than the champion himself. A vacant WBO title fight between Smith and Buatsi would give the sanctioning body a new champion while Bivol and Beterbiev complete their trilogy.

Bivol's decision to pass on his mandatory defense against Smith has left many in the boxing world wondering what's next for the Russian boxer. However, Hearn is confident that Bivol wants the Beterbiev fight, and the two boxers will start conversations to make it happen.

If Bivol moves ahead with Beterbiev, Smith's opportunity may come against another opponent rather than the champion himself. "I think Callum Smith will probably end up boxing Joshua Buatsi for the vacant world title if that's the route it goes," Hearn said.

A vacant WBO title fight between Smith and Buatsi would give the sanctioning body a new champion while Bivol and Beterbiev complete their trilogy. Smith would no longer have to wait for a mandatory title shot, and Buatsi would receive another opportunity to fight for a world championship.

The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen whether Bivol will indeed pass on his mandatory defense against Smith. However, one thing is certain-the boxing world is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes situation.

The WBO has ordered Bivol to defend against Smith, but Hearn indicated that the trilogy remains Bivol's priority. "There's a lot of people saying, 'Bivol doesn't want to fight Beterbiev.' That's not true at all," Hearn said to Fighthype. "Dmitry wants the trilogy. That's the fight he wants. We'll start those conversations and see what happens."

The situation is complex, with multiple parties involved and different interests at play. However, one thing is clear-Dmitry Bivol is expected to pass on his mandatory defense against Callum Smith in favor of a trilogy bout against Artur Beterbiev.

Bivol's decision to prioritize the Beterbiev trilogy over his mandatory defense against Smith has significant implications for the Russian boxer's career. If Bivol and Beterbiev complete their trilogy, Smith's opportunity may come against another opponent rather than the champion himself.

The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen whether Bivol will indeed pass on his mandatory defense against Smith. However, one thing is certain-the boxing world is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes situation.

Last Updated on 2026/07/19 at 2:37 PM

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