RCC Boxing: Bivol vs Smith

On December 12, Yekaterinburg will once again host world-class championship boxing. Dmitry Bivol will make his second appearance at UGMC Arena in 2026 and face WBO mandatory challenger Callum Smith. The show is promoted by RCC Boxing Promotions; Matchroom Boxing is involved in the organization of the bout from the British side.

Bivol defends four world titles

Dmitry Bivol enters the fight with a professional record of 25-1, 12 KO.

On the line are his world titles WBA, WBO, IBF and The Ring in the light heavyweight division. The Russian’s last fight was also held in Yekaterinburg – in May he defeated IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert by unanimous decision.

For Bivol, this bout will be another mandatory defense after his return to the ring and an important step ahead of potential big matchups in 2027.

Callum Smith – WBO mandatory challenger

Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KO) is the WBO interim world champion and mandatory challenger for Bivol’s belt.

The Briton previously became WBA world champion at super middleweight. After moving up to light heavyweight, Smith reached a title fight against Artur Beterbiev, then defeated Joshua Buatsi and captured the WBO interim belt.

Both of Smith’s professional losses came against world-level boxers – Saul Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev.

Bivol and Smith have met before

The fight carries extra history: Bivol and Smith faced each other at amateur level in 2012, and the Russian won that bout. More than a decade later, they will now contest a professional world title fight.