Why Dmitry Bivol May Vacate Rather Than Fight Callum Smith

WBO champion Dmitry Bivol could face Callum Smith next or vacate his belt to pursue Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez

Dmitry Bivol may have to choose between keeping his WBO light heavyweight title and pursuing some of the division’s biggest fights. Eddie Hearn says Callum Smith’s mandatory challenge has been ordered, meaning Bivol could be forced to vacate the belt if he opts for a fight against Artur Beterbiev or David Benavidez instead.

Hearn indicated that the WBO interim champion remains firmly in the picture.

“He’s got a mandatory against Callum Smith now that’s been ordered,” Hearn said to Boxingscene.

“If he wants to take one of those fights that we just said, he’ll also have to drop the WBO belt.”

Hearn said that Smith’s next move will involve a world title one way or another.

“We’ll look to make Callum Smith for the world title next, whatever happens,” said Hearn.

Callum captured the WBO interim light heavyweight title by defeating Joshua Buatsi, positioning himself as the mandatory challenger for Bivol’s belt. Yet the timing may ultimately work against him.

From Bivol’s perspective, a fight against Smith presents a difficult calculation. The Russian star could command larger purses against Beterbiev or Benavidez, while Smith represents a dangerous opponent without the same commercial upside.

Unlike recent challenger Michael Eifert, Smith is a former world champion with size, power and momentum behind him, factors that could influence Bivol’s decision as potential fights against Artur Beterbiev and David Benavidez remain on the table.