Smith to challenge Bivol for unified light-heavyweight crown in Russia

Callum Smith, 36, will challenge Dmitry Bivol, 35, in Yekaterinburg, Russia on 12 December for the unified world light-heavyweight championship as he attempts to become a two-division champion.

Smith has not fought since February 2025, when he defeated compatriot Joshua Buatsi to claim the WBO interim light-heavyweight title, and Bivol will put his WBA, IBF and Ring world titles on the line; the bout is scheduled to take place in Yekaterinburg despite the UK government advising British nationals against all travel to Russia. British heavyweight Joe Joyce fought in Russia in July when he was beaten by Artem Suslenkov in Moscow.

A former WBA super-middleweight champion, Smith will make a second attempt at capturing a unified light-heavyweight title after his 2024 defeat to Artur Beterbiev.

Beterbiev later defeated Bivol to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion and then lost the rematch in February 2025.

Bivol relinquished his WBC belt to pursue a third fight with Beterbiev, a contest that ultimately did not materialise.

Of Smith's 33 professional bouts, he has won 31, including 22 by knockout; Bivol has won 25 of his 26 fights, stopping 12 opponents, with his only defeat coming against Beterbiev.

The bout in Yekaterinburg on 12 December is the scheduled contest that will decide the holder of the WBA, IBF and Ring world light-heavyweight titles.