Callum Smith dismisses doubts about beating Dmitry Bivol

Callum Smith says he knows what it takes to beat Dmitry Bivol even though the light heavyweight champion holds victories over both men who handed Smith losses.

Smith, the WBO interim titleholder, told talkSPORT Boxing that boxing math does not always add up. Bivol beat Canelo Alvarez and Artur Beterbiev, the only two fighters to defeat Smith, but the Liverpudlian believes their potential clash later this year comes down to matchups. "He's a very good fighter and he may beat fighters that I can't beat, as he's done, but styles make fights in boxing," Smith said, per The Ring. "Just because A beat B and B beats C doesn't mean A beats C."

Smith boxed Bivol in amateur ranks

The Liverpool fighter noted their history stretches back over a decade. Smith said he faced Bivol in the amateurs around 2011 or 2012, shortly after the Russian won world junior gold. "I've always knew how good he was," Smith said. "We had a good fight and just, stylistically, I think I can beat him."

Smith holds a record of 31-2 with 22 knockouts and ranks as The Ring's No. 2 contender at 175 pounds. Bivol carries a 25-1 mark with 12 knockouts and holds The Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO titles. The two have been linked for years, with Bivol once floating the idea of dropping to super middleweight when Smith held belts at 168 pounds.

Smith said he will block out doubters who point to Bivol's wins over the two men who beat him. "I've just got to focus on myself," he said. The fight is expected to take place in 2026.

Source: ringmagazine.com