Dmitry Bivol set for July 4 elbow surgery before Callum Smith mandatory defense

Dmitry Bivol will undergo surgery on his injured left elbow on July 4 before moving toward a mandatory title defense against Callum Smith.

Bivol returned from more than a year out on May 30, beating Michael Eifert by a wide unanimous decision despite carrying the elbow injury into the fight. He had already been coming back from back surgery before that victory.

The WBO is expected to order Bivol and Smith to begin negotiations after being informed of Bivol’s plans by Matchroom Boxing. Smith is the WBO’s No. 1 light heavyweight contender and has been waiting for his title shot.

The decision means a third Bivol fight with Artur Beterbiev is off the table for now. It also delays a possible undisputed fight with WBC champion David Benavidez, who has been pushing for the matchup.

Smith earned his position after beating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025. The former WBA super middleweight champion has won two straight fights since his stoppage loss to Beterbiev in January 2024.

Image Credit: WBC