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Callum Smith to Defend WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Title Against David Morrell Jr on April 18 in Liverpool

The winner is expected to become the WBO mandatory challenger to unified champion Dmitry Bivol.

Overview

  • The bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing event at M&S Bank Arena and will stream live on DAZN.
  • It marks Smith’s first fight in his hometown of Liverpool in more than six years.
  • Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) earned the interim belt with a unanimous decision over Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 and previously held the WBA super middleweight title.
  • Morrell, a former two-division WBA (regular) champion, rebounded from a 2025 loss to David Benavidez with a debated split-decision win over Imam Khataev in July.
  • The WBO ordered the matchup after delays, and Bivol has been directed to face IBF mandatory Michael Eifert with purse bids set for Friday, shaping the division’s next steps.