“I just want to make it happen. We’re looking at options in the UK. We’re looking at options in Russia. Also looking possibly at our Monaco show. Hopefully, some news soon,” said Smith to ESBR Boxing.
If the fight lands in Britain, Liverpool is the logical destination. Callum Smith would have the best chance of drawing a large crowd in his home city, but that arrangement asks Bivol to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO titles on the challenger’s turf.
Bivol has traveled throughout his career and would hardly be overwhelmed by a hostile crowd. His team may still question why the champion should give Callum Smith that advantage unless the financial terms make it worthwhile.
Russia reverses the situation by placing the challenger in Bivol’s territory. Bivol fought Michael Eifert in Ekaterinburg in May, but returning there would require local backing capable of satisfying both sides.
The neutral alternative is Monaco, although its smaller setting cannot generate the gate available in Liverpool. Any shortfall would need to be covered elsewhere.
The interview offered no clue about who might finance either option. Saudi Arabia was also missing from Smith’s list. Turki Alalshikh backed Bivol’s two fights with Artur Beterbiev, but nothing indicated that he is involved in the Callum Smith negotiations.
More should become known if Matchroom reaches an agreement before the scheduled August 27 purse bid. If talks fail, an outside bidder may gain control and select a destination of its own.
For the moment, Matchroom has presented three very different settings without revealing its preference. Liverpool brings the crowd, Russia favors Bivol, and Monaco supplies neutrality. The best financial offer may settle the choice.
