Bivol to defend light heavyweight titles against Callum Smith on 12 December

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Matchroom has confirmed that Dmitry Bivol will defend his unified light heavyweight titles against Liverpool's Callum Smith on 12 December. Boxing News 24 reports that the fight will take place in Yekaterinburg, Russia. It will be only Bivol's second fight since his rematch win over Artur Beterbiev, after a back operation slowed his schedule

Smith has been waiting a long time for this chance. He has not boxed since beating Joshua Buatsi, roughly 18 months ago. During that time he turned down a fight with David Morrell, because a defeat would have cost him the title shot. That patience has now paid off

Smith's two career losses came against Canelo Alvarez and Beterbiev, both elite fighters. The article argues that those fights show his ceiling, and that he will need more than simply following Bivol around the ring. Beterbiev wore Smith down with relentless physical pressure and by breaking his guard, and Boxing News 24 thinks Smith must try something similar

Bivol is one of the most technically gifted boxers in the world. His footwork, jab and ring intelligence make him extremely hard to beat. Smith has size and power, and he is a proud, experienced fighter who will not be intimidated

It is a good fight between two world class light heavyweights who are close in age. Smith has earned his chance, and Bivol gets a quality challenger to show he is back to his best. Ring rust on both sides could be a factor

Can Callum Smith pull off the upset? And how do you think Bivol will look after his back surgery?

Dmitry Bivol Vs Callum Smith Confirmed For December 12www.boxingnews24.com