TLDR
- Dmitry Bivol will defend his light heavyweight title against Callum Smith on December 12 in Russia
- Smith is moving up from super middleweight to challenge Bivol at 175 pounds
- Bivol holds the WBA light heavyweight championship and remains undefeated
- Smith previously held the WBA super middleweight title before losing to Canelo Alvarez
- The fight will take place in Russia, marking Bivol’s return to his home country
Sources: middleeasy.com
Light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol will defend his title against Callum Smith on December 12 in Russia. The fight was officially announced this week, bringing together two accomplished boxers from different weight classes.
Bivol currently holds the WBA light heavyweight championship and has not lost a professional fight. His most famous victory came against Canelo Alvarez in May 2022, when he won by unanimous decision in Las Vegas.
Two years ago today Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitrii Bivol via MD12 to unify the WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF and vacant Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight Titles
One of the highest level fights this decade pic.twitter.com/FvS0ZnwzBV
— Tokkerū (@ATokkers5) October 12, 2026
Smith is moving up from the super middleweight division to challenge Bivol at 175 pounds. The British fighter previously held the WBA super middleweight title from 2018 to 2020.
Smith’s Career Record
Callum Smith has a strong boxing record with only two losses in his professional career. He lost his super middleweight title to Canelo Alvarez in December 2020 by unanimous decision.
After that defeat, Smith moved to light heavyweight and has competed in the division for his recent fights. He defeated Lenin Castillo in September 2021 and Mathieu Bauderlique in 2022.
The Liverpool native stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, giving him a height advantage over most opponents. His reach and power have been his main weapons throughout his career.
Bivol’s Dominance
Dmitry Bivol has held the WBA light heavyweight title since 2017. The Russian boxer has successfully defended his championship multiple times against top contenders.
Bivol’s technical boxing style and defensive skills have made him difficult to beat. He won the title by defeating Trent Broadhurst and has defended it against fighters like Isaac Chilemba, Sullivan Barrera, and Craig Richards.
The 32-year-old fighter has built his reputation on precise punching and movement. His victory over Canelo Alvarez solidified his status as one of the best light heavyweights in boxing.
The December 12 fight will take place in Russia, giving Bivol home advantage. This will be one of his first major fights in his home country in recent years.
Smith faces a difficult challenge moving up to face an undefeated champion. The British boxer will need to adjust to fighting at 175 pounds against a natural light heavyweight.
Bivol enters the fight as the favorite due to his undefeated record and experience at the weight class. Smith’s size and punching power could make him a dangerous opponent if he successfully adapts to the heavier division.
The fight gives Smith a chance to become a two-division world champion. A victory would mark a major comeback after his loss to Canelo Alvarez.
Both fighters have experience competing at the highest level of boxing. The matchup will test whether Smith’s physical advantages can overcome Bivol’s technical superiority and home crowd support.
