Callum Smith has signed the documents for a title fight against Dmitry Bivol, according to RCC Boxing, with December 12 as the planned date in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The promoter’s announcement moves the matchup forward, although the date should still be treated as provisional.
RCC Boxing CEO German Titov told the organization’s press service that negotiations with Smith’s team had concluded, according to RBC Sport.
“Today we completed lengthy negotiations with Callum Smith’s team,” Titov said, translated from Russian.
Titov added that the necessary documents had been signed and RCC would organize the championship bout in Yekaterinburg. His wording on December 12 was “the planned date,” leaving room for further confirmation before fans make travel arrangements.
Smith is Bivol’s WBO mandatory challenger and holds the organization’s interim light heavyweight title. The British fighter’s route gives Bivol another title obligation to handle while a third meeting with Artur Beterbiev remains an attractive option.
The contract announcement is progress, but it comes from the company organizing the event. It supports reporting that RCC says Smith has signed. It does not justify turning a planned December date into an unconditional promise that the fight will happen that night.
For Smith, the opportunity would bring another attempt to win a full world title at light heavyweight after his defeat to Beterbiev. Bivol presents a different challenge: Smith would have to find ways to land his heavier punches against an opponent whose movement and combinations can leave challengers chasing rounds.
Smith cannot afford to spend long stretches following Bivol without throwing. Letting the champion dictate the distance would make it difficult to bring his power into the fight, particularly if Bivol establishes an early lead.
Bivol would also be putting another bout between himself and the Beterbiev trilogy. Smith’s mandatory position explains the matchup, but beating him would still leave the question of when Bivol and Beterbiev meet again.
The next step is firmer confirmation of the event details. RCC has announced signed documents; December 12 remains its stated target.