CALLUM SMITH remains focused on his goal of becoming a two-weight world champion, but knows he must beat two men to be universally recognized as the best light heavyweight in the world.
The Liverpudlian strengthened his title credentials with a victory over Joshua Buatsi in February. Smith was at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester last night to watch his old rival take on Zach Parker in the main event at Queensberry. Buatsi’s points victory has since been criticized, not only about his performance but also the judges’ scorecards.
Smith is now preparing to defend his WBO Interim light heavyweight title against Cuban David Morrell, a fight expected to take place in early 2026.
“This is supposed to happen in January and February 2026,” Smith said. Boxing News on Saturday evening. “This has to be my next fight. It was ordered by the WBO. I was a little frustrated that I couldn’t fight while waiting to stay active. It looks like it’s going to be another 12 months out of the ring, which is not ideal.”
In July, Morrell returned to winning ways after suffering the first defeat of his career. The Cuban edged Imam Khataev by split decision in New York, although many observers believed Khataev did enough to win. The victory came five months after Morrell lost to David Benavidez, who now holds the WBC light heavyweight title.
If Benavidez manages to hold his own against Anthony Yarde, a clash with the British opposition could be expected – with Smith and Buatsi both in the frame.
Smith admits he’ll be watching closely but admits even a win over Benavidez wouldn’t make him number one in the division. That distinction, he says, still belongs to Dmitry Bivol, who now holds the three remaining world titles after his two-fight series with Artur Beterbiev.
“I love the Bivol fight,” Smith said. “I think he’s the man to beat. He’s the best in the division right now. We were boxing as amateurs so I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve always wanted this fight.
“But the Benavidez one, I always thought should have happened and would happen at some point. We were both 168 pounds at the same time. Now we’re both 175 pounds. And I think stylistically it fits pretty well. We’re both big but we both like to fight up close. So stylistically it’s probably the better fight to watch.
“But right now, Bivol is the man of the division. He’s number one in the world. He’s the man to beat. Even if I were to beat Benavidez, I would still be number two in the rankings behind Bivol.
“If you want to be the best, you have to go fight Bivol. But those are the two men who hold the belts in the division. So those are the ones I want to fight.”
