The World Boxing Organization has formally ordered a purse bid for the interim light heavyweight fight between Callum Smith and David Morrell, setting the auction for February 2, 2026 at 11:00 am AST in San Juan. The move follows another breakdown in negotiations and effectively removes control from both camps after months of drifting.
The fight was first ordered in July 2025 after Morrell’s win over Imam Khataev elevated him to mandatory status. A December stock market bid was scheduled, then abruptly canceled when the parties entered into a private agreement. That agreement never materialized into a signed agreement. With months gone by and no date in place, Morrell’s team again formally requested the WBO to intervene, forcing the fight back into the open bidding process and off the negotiating table.
The WBO’s letter outlines strict terms. The minimum bid is set at $300,000, with a required 20 percent deposit payable immediately from the winning promoter. Once the bid is awarded, the fight must be scheduled within 60 days. The WBO’s letter lays out fixed provisions. The minimum bid is set at $300,000, with a 20 percent deposit payable on the day of the auction. Once a promoter wins the bid, the fight must be scheduled within 60 days. Miss that window and the rights go on. There is no flexibility built into the order, and no room left for delays.
The delay was impossible to ignore. Smith, now 35, has been positioned as a leading contender for a high-value fight against unified champion Dmitry Bivol. That opportunity represents a payday arguably bigger than any Smith has earned. Morrell stands directly in the way. He’s younger, explosive, and viewed as a real threat rather than a routine interim defense that can be safely managed.
This dynamic explains the hesitation. A loss to Morrell wouldn’t just cost Smith an interim belt. This could push him completely out of the title race and stall his momentum.
The wallet bid removes the safety net. Smith either clears Morrell now or runs the risk that time and delay have already worked against him.
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Last updated on 22/01/2026
