CALLUM SMITH remains focused on becoming a two-weight world champion but knows there are two men he must beat to be universally recognised as the best light-heavyweight in the world.
The Liverpudlian strengthened his title credentials with a win over Joshua Buatsi in February. Last night, Smith was at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester to watch his old rival take on Zach Parker in Queensberry’s main event. Buatsi’s points victory has since been met with criticism — not only of his performance but also of the judges’ scorecards.
Smith is now preparing for a defence of his WBO Interim light-heavyweight title against Cuba’s David Morrell, a bout expected to take place early in 2026.
“Jan, Feb 2026 it’s supposed to happen,” Smith told Boxing News on Saturday night. “It’s got to be my next fight. It’s been ordered by the WBO. I was a bit frustrated I couldn’t have a fight in the meantime to stay active. It’s looking like it’s going to be another 12 months out the ring, which isn’t ideal.”
In July, Morrell returned to winning ways after suffering the first loss of his career. The Cuban edged Imam Khataev via split decision in New York, though many observers felt Khataev had done enough to win. That victory came five months after Morrell’s defeat to David Benavidez, who now holds the WBC light-heavyweight title.
If Benavidez successfully defends against Anthony Yarde, a clash with British opposition could await — with Smith and Buatsi both in the frame.
Smith admits he will be watching closely but accepts that even a victory over Benavidez would not make him the division’s number one. That distinction, he says, still belongs to Dmitry Bivol, who now holds the remaining three world titles following 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 at the minute. We boxed as amateurs so I’ve knew of him for a long time. I’ve always wanted that fight.
“But the Benavidez one I always thought should have happened and would happen at some point. We were both 168lbs at the same time. Now we’re both 175. And I think stylistically it gels pretty well. We’re both big but both like to have a fight up close. So I think stylistically that’s probably the better fight to watch.
“But at the minute Bivol’s the man in the division. He’s the number one in the world. He’s the man you need to beat. Even if I was to go and beat Benavidez, I’d still be sitting number two in the rankings behind Bivol.
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to go and fight Bivol. But they’re the two men holding the belts in the division. So they’re who I want to fight.”
