Eddie Hearn’s Dream Scenario? Bivol’s Injury Could Make Callum Smith a Two-Division Champ and Help Him Avoid David Morrell

WBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol has been ordered by the sanctioning body to produce medical documentation about his back injury, surgery, and prognosis. Bivol recently had back surgery. The WBO is insisting on transparency for his recovery and wants to view the physician’s reports.

Bivol’s Complicated Back Surgery Recovery

If Bivol’s doctor says he can’t return to the ring beyond the WBO’s 9-month window for defenses against mandatory challengers, he could be stripped of his belt. It would be up to the WBO to decide. He’s got Callum Smith, 35, who is waiting for his title shot, and he’s not getting any younger. If he has to wait a year, he might be too old by then to dethrone Bivol.

Bivol, 34, hasn’t fought since defeating undisputed 175-lb champion Artur Beterbiev by a 12-round majority decision earlier this year in their rematch on February 22nd in Riyadh. Dmitry (24-1, 12 KOs) sacrificed his WBC title to mandatory David Benavidez when he failed to defend against him. Now, Bivol could lose his WBO belt as well.

Callum Smith: The Mandatory Challenger Waiting

This could play into Matchroom fighter Callum Smith’s hands if Bivol fails to supply the WBO’s required medical documentation that they’re demanding. Smith would then be elevated to the new WBO light heavyweight champion; presumably, that would eliminate his ordered title defense against David Morrell.

Eddie Hearn’s Potential Strategic Victory

Promoter Eddie Hearn would be overjoyed with Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) being elevated to the new WBO champion. He’d be a two-division world champion, and it would potentially save him from having to defend against the Cuban Morrell. Hearn has got to know what Smith is up against, fighting the much younger and technically superior Morrell. Dodging that fight would be a dream.

🥊 WBO Issues Interim Medical Certification to Dmitry Bivol

Following recent back surgery, WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Dmitry Bivol has been ordered to provide detailed medical documentation regarding his injury, recovery prognosis, and clearance to return to the ring. The… pic.twitter.com/OKzrQtEgqs

— WBO (@WorldBoxingOrg) August 14, 2025