Bivol still waiting for Smith contract – and would like Canelo again
Dmitry Bivol is expected to defend his WBO title against Callum Smith in Russia on 12 December. He says he has not signed yet.
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Light heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol is expected to make a mandatory WBO title defence against Britain's Callum Smith on 12 December in Russia. The fight is not yet signed: "I didn't sign the contract yet because I didn't get it yet," Bivol told The Ring. He is currently training in the United Arab Emirates.
Of Smith, the Russian, who also holds the IBF and WBA titles, said: "He's very tall and very hungry." His manager Vadim Kornilov said a third fight with Artur Beterbiev should follow in spring 2027.
"Artur Beterbiev, Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez are the three biggest fights for me right now," said Bivol, who wants a rematch with Canelo. He does not want to still be an active fighter at 40.