Eddie Hearn Says Callum Smith-Joshua Buatsi Rematch Could Become WBO Title Fight

Promoter says Dmitry Bivol may vacate the WBO belt to pursue fights with Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez

A rematch between Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi could soon have a world title on the line. Eddie Hearn says Dmitry Bivol may vacate the WBO light heavyweight championship, opening the door for Smith and Buatsi to fight for the vacant belt.

“The WBO have ordered that fight between Callum Smith and Dmitrii Bivol,” said Hearn during DAZN’s broadcast of Josh Padley’s victory over Aqib Fiaz.

“Bivol’s coming off a solid 12 rounds against Michael Eifert and really looking to jump in a mega fight. Listen, I like Bivol against Callum Smith. I’d love to make the fight, but Bivol is looking at the potential of the trilogy with Artur Beterbiev or a David Benavidez fight.

“If he does that, he’ll have to vacate the title, and if he does that we’ll get the rematch of the fight of the year between Callum Smith and Buatsi for the world title.”

Smith and Buatsi first met in February 2025 and delivered one of the most entertaining fights of the year. After 12 hard-fought rounds, Smith emerged with a unanimous decision victory.

Buatsi has fought once since then, defeating Zach Parker by decision, while Smith has been sidelined after suffering a rib injury that forced him out of a planned defense against David Morrell earlier this year.

With Morrell later losing to Zak Chelli, the picture at the top of the WBO rankings has shifted. Buatsi currently sits near the top of the sanctioning body’s rankings, making a second meeting with Smith a natural option should the title become vacant.

Hearn also suggested that a potential Smith-Buatsi rematch could feature as part of a proposed Matchroom versus Queensberry team event later this year.

“And that, incidentally, could be a cracking fight to land on the, not the 5 vs. 5, but the 7 vs. 7 against Queensberry coming up,” Hearn said.

The original Matchroom versus Queensberry 5 vs. 5 event in Saudi Arabia proved a major success with British boxing fans, and discussions about an expanded version have continued in recent weeks.