Frank Smith reveals multiple possible locations.
Dmitry Bivol is currently the reigning unified light-heavyweight champion, a three-belt titlist whose ability and accomplishments place him as one of the very best boxers currently fighting.
His breakout year arrived in 2022, when he dethroned two dominant Mexican fighters in convincing fashion. These arrived in the form of unbeaten former super-middleweight titlist Gilberto Ramirez and Canelo Álvarez, who was universally seen as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time.
It was a campaign that saw Bivol officially receive recognition from The Ring as the very best boxer of that year.
2023 was a less active year for the Russian, seeing him appear in one contest in a decision over IBO champion Lyndon Arthur. 2024, though, saw him beat Malik Zinad and fight Artur Beterbiev for the first time.
People still debate the true outcome of the Beterbiev fight, but Bivol officially walked away with his first career defeat. He would convince the judges in their rematch, though, becoming undisputed champion in early 2025.
Bivol would then be out of the ring until May of this year, defeating IBF mandatory Michael Eifert. After that, fans discussed a trilogy with Beterbiev and another undisputed match against David Benavidez (who was awarded Bivol’s WBC title during the Russian’s recovery from surgery).
Now, though, it looks more likely that Bivol will next be facing former super-middleweight–and current WBO interim light-heavyweight–champion Callum Smith.
In an interview with Eat Sleep Boxing Repeat, Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith stated, “I just wanna make it [Bivol vs. Smith] happen. You know, we’re lookin’ at options [for venues] in the U.K., we’re lookin’ at options in Russia, also lookin’ possibly at a Monaco show, you know? So, yeah, hopefully, some news soon.”
Wherever it takes place, seeing one of the sport’s very best in action is always a special thing.
🚨 UK, RUSSIA & MONACO IN PLAY FOR BIVOL-CALLUM
👀 Frank Smith on potential locations for the WBO-ordered Dmitry Bivol-Callum Smith fight: “We’re looking at options in the UK, we’re looking at options in Russia, also looking possibly at our Monaco show.” [@ESBRBoxing] pic.twitter.com/eMtbN2EajD
— EverythingBoxing | Darshan Desai (@EverythingBoxi2) August 21, 2026
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