The World Boxing Organization has officially ordered a bid for the provisional light heavyweight bout 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 back and forth.
The fight was originally scheduled for July 2025 when Morrell defeated Imam Khataev to move up to the bantamweight division. A cash tender was scheduled for December, then abruptly canceled after the parties reportedly reached a private settlement. That agreement never resulted in a signed treaty. Months ago and without a date, Morrell’s team officially asked the WBO to intervene again, forcing the fight back into the open bidding process and off the negotiating table.
The WBO letter clearly explains the terms. The minimum bid is $300,000, with a 20 percent down payment required from the winning promoter. Once the bid is received, the fight must be arranged within 60 days. The WBO’s book provides the strict conditions. The minimum bid is $300,000, with a 20 percent deposit due on the day of the auction. Once a promoter wins the bid, the fight must be scheduled within 60 days. Miss that window and move right on. There is no compromise built into the order, and there is no room for delay.
The delay cannot be ignored. Smith, now 35, is set to be the leading contender for a top-flight fight with unification champion Dmitry Bivol. That opportunity represents a payday that is likely better than any Smith has ever received. Morrell is standing right in the way. It’s small, thin, and seen as a real threat rather than a temporary defense that can be safely managed.
That power explains the hesitation. The loss to Morrell was not just an interim belt for Smith. It can push him out of the entire target line and stop his power.
Foreclosure removes the safety net. Smith clears Morrell now or accepts the risk that time and delay are already working against him.
Click here to subscribe to our FREE newsletter
Boxing Related News:
Last updated on 01/22/2026