Bivol vs. Smith Purse Bid Set, Russia Favored to Host

Dmitry Bivol's WBO light heavyweight title defense against Callum Smith is now headed toward a purse bid after the two sides could not agree on financial terms before the sanctioning body's deadline, and promoter Eddie Hearn now believes Russia is the leading destination for the fight.

The WBO has scheduled the purse bid for August 27 at its offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Any registered promoter can submit an offer, and whoever wins that bid decides where the fight actually happens. Hearn, who has worked with both fighters, said the momentum has shifted toward Bivol's homeland. "I think more likely it will be in Russia. Dmitry is a big name, a pound-for-pound star. There's a lot of interest to bring him back to Russia. Callum is happy to travel; he's done it before," Hearn said.

Why Russia Is Now the Favorite

An open purse bid process tends to favor the fighter with the bigger domestic following, and that's Bivol in this matchup. A Russian promoter can simply outbid Matchroom for the rights and stage the title defense on home soil, which would strip Hearn of the control he might otherwise have had given his ties to both camps. Smith has already signaled he's willing to make that trip. He's fought away from home before, including a 2020 loss to Canelo Alvarez in Texas and a stoppage defeat to Artur Beterbiev in Quebec, so traveling into hostile territory isn't new territory for him. If he wants to chase a second divisional title, taking the fight on the road again may simply be the cost of entry.

Smith earned this opportunity by outpointing Joshua Buatsi in February 2025, his signature win at 175 pounds. But Bivol is a different puzzle entirely. The champion's movement, accuracy and command of distance have given far more decorated names trouble, and Smith would need to close that gap without the benefit of home cooking on the scorecards.

What a Bivol-Smith Fight in Russia Means for Bettors

Betting markets should widen further in Bivol's favor if Russia is confirmed as the site. Bivol already carries the stylistic edge as one of light heavyweight's most complete boxers, and a hometown card removes any scenario where Smith might benefit from close rounds going his way. Bettors leaning Smith are effectively betting on a finish or a clearly decisive scorecard, since split decisions on the road rarely swing his way. Nothing is locked in yet: the venue only becomes official once a promoter wins the August 27 purse bid, and a strong offer from outside Russia could still change the picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will Dmitry Bivol vs. Callum Smith take place?

The location is not yet finalized, but promoter Eddie Hearn says Russia has become the leading candidate to host the WBO light heavyweight title fight after purse negotiations stalled.

Why is the Bivol vs. Smith fight going to a purse bid?

Dmitry Bivol and Callum Smith could not agree on financial terms before the WBO's deadline, so the sanctioning body scheduled a purse bid for August 27 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where any registered promoter can bid for the rights to stage the fight.

How did Callum Smith earn his title shot against Dmitry Bivol?

Callum Smith secured his mandatory position at light heavyweight by beating Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision in February 2025.