WBO President: I Wouldn’t Object To David Benavidez vs. Callum Smith
- Matthew Brown
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
03/18/2025
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
If David Benavidez doesn’t get his shot at undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol next, there’s at least one high-profile alternative that could make all the sense in the world: WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Champion Callum Smith.
Benavidez, who currently holds both the Interim WBC Light Heavyweight and WBA World Light Heavyweight Championships, is still hoping to land a fight with Bivol. However, with the logjam at 175 pounds and the fowl political complexities of boxing’s current landscape, his path to an undisputed title opportunity seems unlikely.
WBO President Gustavo Olivieri has indicated that he wouldn’t object to Benavidez facing Smith, in what would be a huge showdown between two of the division’s most dangerous fighters.
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
In an exclusive interview with Brunch Boxing, Olivieri explained his position on the matter.
“Remember that per the rotation, regardless of what Bivol wants to do, he’s not as mandatory from the WBO’s perspective is not due,” Olivieri said. “So he has no obligation at this time to discharge a mandatory from the WBO. So, Callum Smith will be allowed to do a voluntary fight with whoever he wants from the top 15 rated fighters in the division.”
That leaves the door open for Smith to face someone like Benavidez, who is also stuck in limbo as he waits for clarity on a potential Bivol fight.
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
With both men and their respective teams reportedly interested in facing each other if a Bivol fight doesn’t materialize, Benavidez vs. Smith is a realistic—and highly entertaining—option for later in 2025.
On the idea of a Benavidez-Smith clash, Olivieri tells Brunch Boxing that he has no issue with the matchup.
“I wouldn’t have an objection, for example, [if] Benavidez would like to face Callum Smith. You have an interim champion facing another interim champion. I wouldn’t see any objection or controversy in that regard,” Olivieri said. “I believe he’s the WBA Regular Light Heavyweight Champion, so I would need to consult with my good friend [WBA President] Gilberto Mendoza to see how can we sort that out.”
Photo Credit: Matchroom Boxing
While boxing politics often complicate matchmaking, Olivieri’s openness to the fight is a positive sign for fans eager to see Benavidez in another meaningful bout.
Both fighters are coming off career-defining victories.
Benavidez delivered a dominant unanimous decision win over David Morrell in February. Smith scored a massive upset victory over Joshua Buatsi, also in February.
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