The purse bid for the light-heavyweight clash between
Callum Smith and
David Morrell has been cancelled after the two sides finally reached an agreement for the fight.
The WBO ordered the two contenders to meet for their interim title, currently held by Smith, after
Morrell beat Imam Khataev via split decision on July 12.
However Smith’s promoters Matchroom and Morrell’s promoters Warrior Boxing have been locked in talks about the fight for months now without a resolution.
The WBO eventually set the date for a purse bid on November 18 before agreeing to an extension. However, with the purse bid then scheduled for Thursday, December 4, the WBO announced that they have had written confirmation from both parties that an agreement has been reached.
A statement read: “The World Boxing Organisation (WBO) hereby announces that it has received written confirmation from Matchroom Boxing and TGB Promotions/Warriors Boxing indicating that the parties have reached an agreement regarding the WBO Light Heavyweight Championship bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell.
“Accordingly the purse bid scheduled for today at the WBO Main Offices is terminated effective immediately.
“At the appropriate time, the parties will formally announce the fight date, venue and promoter of record.”
Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) last fought in February,
when he beat Joshua Buatsi on points after a 12-round war with his compatriot. That victory earned Smith the interim title.
Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) beat Khataev in July in what was his first fight back following his
points loss to David Benavidez on February 1.