A 12-round light heavyweight clash between Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) and David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) has been officially announced.
The bout will headline an April 18 Matchroom Boxing card at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. Fight fans around the world will be able to catch the action live on DAZN. An interim version of the WBO world title, currently held by Smith, will be at stake. Dmitry Bivol holds the primary version of the title.
Smith had just one fight in 2025, defeating Joshua Buatsi via unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Morrell began last year with a unanimous decision loss to David Benavidez. He later won a split decision against Imam Khataev on the Hamzah Sheeraz-Edgar Berlanga undercard.
Callum Smith and David Morrell speak on their upcoming clash
“Fighting back in Liverpool is special for me,” said Smith in a press release statement.
“This is home – there’s nothing like walking out in front of a home crowd that’s supported you from the very start. It gives me a real lift and I plan to give them a big performance.”
“Morrell is a top fighter, but I’m coming into this fight with a clear goal – to win and take another big step towards becoming a two-weight world champion.”
“First, I want to thank God for this opportunity in my career,” said Morrell in the same press release.
“I’m excited to showcase my talent in front of the great boxing fans in the UK. I’m preparing for an all-out war with Callum Smith on April 18. I’m coming for that belt.”
Eddie Hearn delivers statement on light heavyweight contest
“Smith vs Morrell is a tremendous fight and one of the biggest Liverpool has seen for a long time,” said Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn in a press release.
“We’ve been working hard to get this over the line for some time now. I’m delighted that we have finally got it done and that we are bringing it to the M&S Bank Arena on April 18, Callum has been on the road for the most part in his recent career, famously beating the likes of George Groves and facing greats such as Canelo and Beterbiev. Now he gets his much-deserved mega fight in his home City.”
“Callum is an outstanding fighter and showed last year against Joshua Buatsi the incredible levels he is at. Make no mistake, this will be another barnstormer against an elite operator in Morrell.”