Callum Smith to Defend WBO Interim Title Against David Morrell in April

The light heavyweight bout headlines a Matchroom Boxing card in Liverpool, England.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Boxing's light heavyweight division continues to deliver quality matchups, with Callum Smith set to defend his WBO interim title against David Morrell on April 18 in Liverpool, England. Smith won the interim strap with a win over Joshua Buatsi in 2025, while Morrell is looking to bounce back from his first career loss against David Benavidez.

Why it matters

The winner of Smith vs. Morrell is expected to become the mandatory challenger for unified WBA, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, setting up a potential unification bout between the two top 175-pound fighters.

The details

Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) is making his first title defense since winning the WBO interim light heavyweight title in February 2025. Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) is a former two-division WBA (regular) champion who is looking to rebound from his first professional loss against Benavidez last year.

  • The Smith vs. Morrell fight is scheduled for April 18, 2026.
  • Smith last fought in February 2025, winning the WBO interim title.
  • Morrell suffered his first career loss against Benavidez in February 2025, but bounced back with a win over Imam Khataev in July 2025.

The players

Callum Smith

A British professional boxer who formerly held the WBA super middleweight title and is the current WBO interim light heavyweight champion.

David Morrell

A Cuban professional boxer who is a former two-division WBA (regular) champion and is looking to rebound from his first career loss.

Dmitry Bivol

The unified WBA, IBF, and WBO light heavyweight champion, who has been ordered to defend his titles against IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert.

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What’s next

The winner of the Smith vs. Morrell fight is expected to become the mandatory challenger for unified light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

The takeaway

The light heavyweight division remains one of the most exciting in boxing, with high-stakes matchups like Smith vs. Morrell continuing to deliver thrilling action for fans.