Dmitry Bivol has been ordered to defend his WBO light heavyweight title against interim champion Callum Smith, with both sides now given 20 days to reach an agreement.
Smith has been waiting for his mandatory opportunity after winning the WBO interim title earlier this year. The former super middleweight world champion has rebuilt his position at 175lbs and now has a direct route to a full world title shot.
The order puts Bivol’s other plans on hold. Before the WBO ruling, the unified champion had been linked to a possible trilogy with Artur Beterbiev or a future clash with WBC champion David Benavidez.
Bivol must now either negotiate a deal with Smith, vacate the WBO belt, or risk losing the title if he chooses another opponent. If no agreement is reached within 20 days, the fight will head to a purse bid.