A showdown between Callum Smith and David Morrell seems likely to come in early 2026, with promoter Eddie Hearn telling The Ring that the fight is being worked on for a date in Saudi Arabia.
Smith (31-2, 22 KO) and Morrell (12-1, 9 KO) are both in the mix at 175 lbs, where Dmitry Bivol holds three belts but has been inactive since his February win over Artur Beterbiev, and David Benavidez holds the WBC title. Benavidez will defend on November 22 against Anthony Yarde.
There seem to be plans for Benavidez
and Beterbiev to fight in 2026, if both are successful next month on the same show, where Beterbiev will face Deon Nicholson.
Smith and Morrell, then, are natural opponents as they look to force their way into the title picture with a strong win. The Brit “Mundo” Smith moved up to 175 lbs back in 2021, following a one-sided loss to Canelo Alvarez at 168, and has gone 4-1, with a loss to Beterbiev in 2024. He’s won two straight, including a good performance in February in victory over Joshua Buatsi, which gave Smith the interim WBO title.
Morrell lost a decision to Benavidez in February, and followed up with a close, debated win over Imam Khataev in July, which was no easy bounce-back matchup. The Cuban appears headed for another fight at true contender level.
How do you like the matchup, and who do you think wins if it happens?
