Eddie Hearn expects Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi to contest the WBO light-heavyweight title if Dmitry Bivol chooses a third fight against Artur Beterbiev.
Bivol's intentions
Unified light-heavyweight champion Bivol was ordered by the WBO earlier this month to defend his titles against his mandatory challenger, Smith. Both sides have until July 26 to agree to a deal, but it doesn't appear anything will get done because Bivol has told his promoter to pursue the trilogy fight against Beterbiev. The pair played out a gripping duology for the division's undisputed crown between 2024 and 2025, with one win apiece.
And Hearn believes that following the update from Bivol, WBO interim champion Smith will now face old rival Buatsi in a rematch for the full belt.
Hearn's comments
"[Bivol's manager] Vadim Kornilov and Bivol have told me to please begin negotiations with [IBA president] Umar Kremlev, or RCC Boxing Promotions," Hearn revealed. "We're ready to make the Beterbiev fight. That's the fight Dmitry wants. Dmitry is due to fight Callum Smith. I think it's unlikely he'll defend against Smith. I think Smith will fight Joshua Buatsi for the vacant title. But Bivol is ready to make the Beterbiev fight."
Smith's recent victory
Smith is in possession of the interim crown after producing a sensational performance to overcome domestic rival Buatsi last time out. The 36-year-old was seen by many as the underdog heading into the bout in Saudi Arabia last year, with Buatsi unbeaten and the champion at the time. However, Smith was too slick for the former Team GB star, as he took the decision unanimously after 12 thrilling rounds of boxing.
Smith on Bivol
Speaking just last week, Smith, although accepting he would be a sizeable underdog, expressed confidence he could beat Bivol. "Look, he's a very good fighter and he may beat fighters that I can't beat, as he's done, but styles make fights in boxing," Smith said. "Just because A beat B and B beats C doesn't mean A beats C, and I've got to just go in there, use my skills, use my attributes and make sure the best version of me turns up. And if that's the case, then I'm always fully confident in beating anyone."
He added: "We boxed as amateurs, so I knew of him a long time, probably before a lot of the boxing community did. I think people got to know him when he signed with Matchroom and then obviously went on to become world champion and beat Canelo and Beterbiev, but I boxed him, I think it was 2011 or 2012. I think he'd just won world junior gold, so I've always knew how good he was. We had a good fight and just, stylistically, I think I can beat him. But I know there's going to be doubters out there because he's beat the two people who've beat me. But I've just got to block that out and focus on myself."
Other fight news
Peter McGrail, meanwhile, will make his return to the ring on Saturday, September 12, on the Blockone Sports show at Boxpark. Brandon Daord will headline the show when he takes on Ndabezinhle Phiri for the vacant IBO world flyweight title. The Birkenhead fighter delivered the best performance of his career last year, narrowly defeating Matty McHale before returning to the ring in February to beat Keyvin Lara. McGrail will be returning to the ring for the first time since he was beaten by Shabaz Masoud in December. The Everton Red Triangle fighter confirmed: "Little run out 12 September before a big fight the end of the year."
