Smith, who holds the WBO interim title at 175, was scheduled to face Morrell to determine the next mandatory challenger for Bivol. The fight was called off after Smith suffered an injury, forcing the Liverpool card to move forward without the fight.
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said the sanctioning body had given Smith 10 days to submit a certified medical report detailing the injury and expected recovery time.
“Matchroom Boxing has formally notified the WBO that interim Light Heavyweight Champion Callum Smith has suffered an injury which prevents his participation in the scheduled mandatory fight against David Morrell,” Olivieri said.
“Accordingly, the WBO will give Team Smith a period of 10 days to submit a certified medical report detailing diagnosis, prognosis, recovery period and anticipated return to competition.”
If the injury is confirmed, Smith will have 180 days after Dmitry Bivol’s defense against Michael Eifert on May 23 to face Morrell. Failure to do so will result in the interim title being vacated.
“Pursuant to WBO regulations, Mr. Smith is given 180 days from the Bivol-Eifert bout to fulfill his mandatory obligation against Mr. Morrell. Failure to comply within this period will result in the WBO Interim Light Heavyweight title being declared vacant,” Olivieri added.
The delay temporarily leaves Bivol without a clear next mandatory, potentially giving him room to pursue other fights before the WBO position is finalized.
