Callum Smith’s mandatory position could force Bivol to delay both the David Benavidez fight and the Artur Beterbiev trilogy
Dmitry Bivol’s plans at light heavyweight may have changed again after the WBO confirmed Callum Smith is next in line for a mandatory title shot. The move could delay both the trilogy fight against Artur Beterbiev and the David Benavidez showdown that has been building since Benavidez defeated Gilberto Ramirez.
Bivol has not fought since defeating Artur Beterbiev in their February 2025 rematch to become undisputed champion at light heavyweight. He was later stripped of the WBC title after choosing to pursue a trilogy fight with Beterbiev rather than face mandatory challenger David Benavidez.
A back injury then delayed Bivol’s return and created more traffic around his remaining titles. Now the WBO appears ready to move its mandatory position to the front of the line.
Hello, Sir. The WBO will enforce Smith as Mandatory for Bivol after Eifert. Regards.
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) May 21, 2026
The timing is difficult for Benavidez, who had made no secret of wanting a fight with Bivol after moving back and forth between light heavyweight and cruiserweight. A mandatory defense against Smith would also push back the long-discussed trilogy with the 41-year-old Beterbiev, whose window for a third fight is getting tighter with time.
Smith had originally been scheduled to face David Morrell in April, with the winner expected to move into position for a Bivol fight later this year. Smith withdrew with an injury, and Morrell instead fought Zak Chelli on May 9. In one of the bigger upsets of the year, Chelli stopped Morrell in the 10th round.
Olivieri also stated that if Bivol declines to face Smith, the WBO would direct Smith to fight “the next highest available ranked contender” for the vacant title.
Bivol’s plan had already become crowded after losing the WBC belt. If the WBO follows through, he could soon be forced to choose between keeping another title or finally settling unfinished business with Beterbiev.