Hall of Fame trainer Buddy McGirt believes Callum Smith has both the style and physical tools to defeat undisputed light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol if the WBO-ordered title fight is finalized.

The WBO ordered Bivol and interim champion Smith to begin negotiations for a mandatory title defense this week. McGirt, who has trained Smith for the past five fights, said he expects his fighter to rise to the occasion against one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters.

“Callum will rise to the occasion for this fight against Bivol, without a doubt,” McGirt told The Ring. “Callum will beat Bivol with what he’s capable of. Bivol can fight, but it’s what Callum can do… he’s long, rangy and can catch Bivol when he’s bouncing in and out. Callum just has to be ready to fire.”

McGirt also believes Bivol’s performances are often dictated by the level of opposition he faces.

“Bivol fights to the capacity of his opponent,” McGirt said. “If his opponent’s good, you’re gonna get the best. If the opponent is mediocre, you’re going to get a mediocre performance. Bivol does just enough to win against mediocre guys. When the opponent is a star, he rises to the occasion.”

Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) has not fought since defeating Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 to capture the WBO interim light heavyweight title. He was scheduled to face David Morrell in April but withdrew because of an injury.

Bivol (25-1, 12 KOs) returned from back surgery in May with a one-sided 12-round decision victory over IBF mandatory challenger Michael Eifert. The win followed his split series with Artur Beterbiev, with each fighter earning a majority decision victory in their two championship bouts.

Asked what Smith’s strategy would be against Bivol, McGirt declined to reveal any details.

“It’s an ancient Chinese secret,” McGirt said with a laugh.

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Last Updated on 2026/07/13 at 1:29 PM

A superb Olympian, Spinks, along with little bro Leon, won gold in 1976. Going pro in April of 1977, Spinks was soon bamboozling good fighters with his unpredictable, herky-jerky, hard to nail style. Fast, possessing a high ring IQ, and with Spinks showing real power in his “Jinx” of a right hand, the 20-something was soon seeing off men like Tom Bethea, Murray Sutherland, Yaqui Lopez, and Marvin Johnson.

This was superb work for a fast-moving contender. Then, in July of 1981, in what was just his 17th fight, Spinks unseated Eddie Mustafa Muhammad to take the WBA 175 pound title, Spinks dropping Muhammad late and winning a unanimous decision. Title retentions, an impressive 10 in total, would come against the likes of: Vonzell Johnson, Sutherland in a rematch, Johnny Davis, and, in a big unification clash, Dwight Muhammad Qawi.

Spinks was brilliant against the dangerous “Camden Buzzsaw,” and he was now perhaps the best pound-for-pound boxer out there. But Spinks wanted ultimate glory, and that would come, he knew, up at heavyweight. After four defences of his two belts, with Spinks also picking up the inaugural IBF strap along the way, the 29 year old set about building up his body ahead of his invasion of the heavyweight division. Spinks bulked up to around 200 pounds and, in September of 1985, having declined to take a heavyweight test beforehand, Spinks upset the great Larry Holmes to make history. Spinks won a controversial split decision over Holmes (one that sent Holmes into crazy mode, his infamous post-fight speech proving both hilarious and shocking), with him becoming the first man in history to have moved up from 175 to claim the world heavyweight crown. In terms of belts, Spinks had won the IBF title, this the sole title Holmes had had at the time (Larry having decided to fight exclusively for the new organisation). But Spinks had beaten THE man and he was now the man at heavyweight.

Spinks repeated the win over a still irate Holmes the following April, the rematch also closely decided on the three cards. But Spinks had proven his earlier win was no fluke. Later, an easy defence logged against Steffen Tangstad, Spinks was stripped of his IBF belt for not next facing Tony Tucker. Spinks, with the savvy Butch Lewis guiding him, preferred a bigger payday/easier fight against a rusty Gerry Cooney. Spinks destroyed Cooney over the course of five one-sided rounds in June of 1987.

But there was now a new star of the heavyweight division, his name being Mike Tyson. Tyson had scooped up the WBC, WBA and IBF belts in double-quick fashion, and there was just one man left to fight. Spinks, the linear champ, had no choice. The payday proved staggering, for both Tyson and Spinks, but the fight itself was no fight.

Where was the fearless Spinks who had swapped punches with terrors like Muhammad and Qawi? Nobody knows. Spinks, rattled and unnerved like never before, wore a bemused, some said flat-out terrified facial expression as he awaited the ring entrance of Tyson. It was as we know, all over in 91-seconds.

Spinks would forever be 31-1, and also a fixture on Tyson’s highlight reel. It was a sad way for such a great fighter to go out, but Spinks went out with his health, his money, and with him knowing that he made a big slice of boxing history during his career.

Today, plenty of boxing historians rank Spinks in the Top 5 greatest ever 175-pounders.

The agreement gives the 27-year-old Romford fighter a fresh platform following a turbulent spell that included the first defeat of his professional career. Rather than ease back into competition, Fisher will immediately top the bill at ZUFFA BOXING 11 as the promotion continues to strengthen its heavyweight roster.

“The most exciting chapter of my professional career begins,” Fisher said. “Thank you to Dana White, Nick Khan, and the Zuffa Boxing team for this opportunity. Everything has led to this point. Bull Army, get ready to assemble. Bosh!”

Fisher earned widespread attention during his rise through the domestic heavyweight scene with an aggressive style that produced 12 knockouts from 14 victories. His latest outing saw him stop previously unbeaten Ivan Balaz in four rounds, restoring momentum after his rematch defeat to Dave Allen.

The Copper Box Arena has become a familiar venue for Fisher. September’s event will mark his third appearance there, giving him another opportunity to perform in front of a London crowd while beginning life with a new promoter.

The signing also represents another step in Zuffa Boxing’s expansion. After entering professional boxing under the leadership of Dana White and Nick Khan, the company has continued adding recognizable names, and Fisher becomes one of its most prominent British heavyweights.

An opponent has yet to be confirmed for the September 26 main event, with additional bouts expected to be announced as the card takes shape.

For Fisher, the move offers more than a change of promoter. It places him at the front of a growing platform and gives him the chance to rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division with a successful debut under the Zuffa Boxing banner.