Morrell fight delay stalls mandatory path as Bivol’s next title defense waits on ruling
The WBO has given Callum Smith 10 days to submit medical proof of the injury that canceled his fight with David Morrell. The decision puts the interim title and Dmitry Bivol’s next mandatory position on hold.
Smith, who holds the WBO interim title at 175, was scheduled to face Morrell to determine the next mandatory challenger to Bivol. The fight was called off after Smith suffered an injury, forcing the Liverpool card to move forward without the bout.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said the sanctioning body has given Smith 10 days to submit a certified medical report detailing the injury and expected recovery time.
“Matchroom Boxing has formally notified the WBO that Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Callum Smith has sustained an injury that prevents his participation in the scheduled mandatory bout against David Morrell,” Olivieri said.
“Accordingly, the WBO will grant Team Smith a 10-day period to submit a certified medical report detailing diagnosis, prognosis, recovery period, and expected return to competition.”
If the injury is confirmed, Smith will then have 180 days following Dmitry Bivol’s defense against Michael Eifert on May 23 to face Morrell. Failure to do so will result in the interim title being vacated.
“Pursuant to WBO regulations, Mr. Smith is afforded 180 days from the Bivol–Eifert bout to fulfill his mandatory obligation against Mr. Morrell. Failure to comply within this period will result in the WBO Interim Light Heavyweight title being declared vacant,” Olivieri added.
The delay leaves Bivol temporarily without a clear next mandatory, potentially giving him room to pursue other fights before the WBO position is finalized.