The WBO has today confirmed that Callum Smith and David Morrell have reached an agreement for their fight for Callum’s interim light heavyweight title. Their promoters have yet to decide when and where the fight will be held.
136 Days of Negotiations
The Smith vs. Morrell fight was ordered for July 21, 2025, and negotiations dragged on for 136 days until today’s agreement.
For Callum, he cannot afford to drag out the battle against Morrell infinitum because he is not a spring chicken close to 36. The longer he postpones the fight against the former Cuban amateur star, the worse it is for him. He’s not going to get any younger as time goes by.
WBO interim 175-lb champion Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) and his promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing face a tough fight against #2 ranked Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) to hold on for a title shot against champion Dmitry Bivol.
Morrell’s Cuban Danger Factor
Some fans believe that Callum Smith and Hearn are not keen to face the dangerous young 27-year-old Cuban phenom. The way he the Beterbiev-like Imam Khataev last July, that must be scary for Callum. Morrell also gave David Benavidez one of the most physically demanding fights of his career, which is not the ideal matchup for Callum. The ‘Mexican Monster’ Benavidez’s face looked unrecognizable after his fight with Morrell.
Smith went through sheer torture in his last fight, defeating Joshua Buatsi by a 12-round unanimous decision in a physically grueling contest earlier this year on February 22, 2025. Now he steers his ship in a fight that could be more taxing on his aging 36-year-old body, against Morrell.
Fans doubt Hearn’s confidence
Given what Smith is up against, it’s not surprising that Hearn dragged his feet to get this fight. One hundred and thirty-six days to get this fight with Morrell. What does that tell you about Callum and Hearn?
“WBO confirms deal: Callum Smith vs. David Morrell for interim Light Heavyweight title. Date, venue and promoter to be announced shortly,” the WBC said on X today.
Last updated on 12/04/2025
