Brief

Callum Smith to challenge Dmitry Bivol in Russia on Dec. 12

Smith's bout with Bivol follows the Fury‑Joshua heavyweight clash in Cardiff.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:16:22 GMT

British light‑heavyweight Callum Smith will meet Russia's Dmitry Bivol on 12 December in Yekaterinburg, contesting the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, Independent reports.

The fight is scheduled a day after the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Smith, 36, a former super‑middleweight champion, earned the interim WBO light‑heavyweight belt by beating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 and has not fought since that undercard victory.

Bivol, 35, a former undisputed champion, vacated the WBC belt and most recently outpointed Michael Eifert in May. He aims to become the third boxer to defeat Smith, who has previously lost to Artur Beterbiev and Canelo Álvarez.

Key facts

• Callum Smith will fight Dmitry Bivol on 12 December 2026. (independent.co.uk)
• The bout will be for the IBF, WBA and WBO light‑heavyweight titles. (independent.co.uk)
• The fight takes place at UMMC Arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia. (independent.co.uk)
• Smith last fought in February 2025, winning the interim WBO belt. (independent.co.uk)
• Bivol most recently defeated Michael Eifert in May 2026. (independent.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “British star set for tough Dmitry Bivol title fight on Fury vs Joshua weekend”