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WBO sends Smith-Morrell fight to auction

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Image: WBO Sends Smith–Morrell Interim Title Bout to Auction

WBO president Gustavo Olivieri confirmed that no date has been set for the fight and that an official bidding announcement will be made.

Smith won the interim belt in February with a points victory over Joshua Buatsi, fighting for Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed victory in a championship rematch with Artur Beterbiev. Bivol remains the undisputed champion of the division, leaving Smith and Morrell effectively competing for position rather than dominance.

Neither Smith nor Bivol have fought since February, a reality that has quietly taken away the point of the interim title’s existence.

How the fight came to a standstill

The fight with Smith Morrell was booked last July, shortly after the return of Morrell, who won a decision over Imam Khataev on a Ring Magazine card financed by Turki Alalshikh. From that point on, the progression of the fight became dependent on Riyad’s place in the season rather than the dynamics of the open market.

Highlights since then:

  • An initial bid for the portfolio was scheduled to be made but was canceled in December after an interim agreement was reached
  • Multiple extensions of the deadlines were granted over a period of five months
  • The fight was the goal of the March gala, headlined by Anthony Joshua
  • Those plans fell through after Joshua’s fatal car accident in Nigeria last December
  • Brief talk of placing the fight on the Ring VI card in Novel York on January 31 never materialized

The inability to find an alternative home since then has only exacerbated questions about the involvement of the parties involved in actually staging the fight.

Promotional restrictions

Matchroom Boxing has five cards scheduled between this weekend and February 28, limiting flexibility. Warriors Boxing faces a different problem. The company primarily operates under the Premier Boxing Champions umbrella, which currently has no confirmed fight dates in the first quarter of 2026.

The only perceptible option on this schedule remains the preliminary Prime Video pay-per-view event on March 21, which will pit Sebastian Fundora against Keith Thurman.

By now demanding a bid price, Morrell’s side has chosen pressure over patience. Whether this will finally put the fight on the calendar or simply reveal how few promoters are willing to take the risk is now for the WBO to find out.

As a result, the division remains exactly where it has been for months, with a prescriptive fight still no closer to happening.

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Tyson Fury Documentary Premieres on Netflix Just Before Joshua Fight

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"Tyson Fury Documentary Premieres on Netflix Just Before Joshua Fight"

Netflix releases TYSON FURY on November 27, tracing the heavyweight’s rise through boxing and examining his personal struggles before he faces Anthony Joshua on December 11.

Lucy Wilcox directs the feature-length documentary. Fury, his wife Paris and father John give interviews alongside previously unseen footage from his life and career.

Tyson Fury’s Career and Family Life

The film follows Fury from childhood into the heavyweight ranks, revisiting the victories and setbacks that shaped his career. His family contributes its accounts of the experiences behind those performances.

Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects covered. The documentary also examines Fury’s views on masculinity, his family relationships and the support he has relied on throughout his career.

Paris and John bring their perspectives to a film that explores the personal pressures accompanying Fury’s success in the ring.

Fury vs Joshua: December 11 Date and Netflix Broadcast

Fury and Joshua step into opposite corners on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Netflix will broadcast their first professional meeting globally to all members at no additional cost.

The remaining bouts have yet to be announced.

At their September 30 press conference, Fury spoke about the years spent waiting to get Joshua into the ring.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been 10 years in the making,” Fury said.

“The rise has been phenomenal from both fighters. We’ve both had our ups and downs. Finally, we arrive at this moment.”

Fury also praised his British rival: “He’s been a role model and a poster boy for British boxing for years.”

Joshua welcomed the occasion and said their exchanges would drive him through extra rounds in the gym.

“I feel fresh. I feel very excited about this opportunity to work again,” Joshua said.

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BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Jake Paul Confirms December 24 Dubai Fight, Ending Retirement Speculations

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"Jake Paul Confirms December 24 Dubai Fight, Ending Retirement Speculations"

MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian addresses questions over Paul’s boxing future following the Anthony Joshua injury, with a Christmas Eve comeback confirmed.

Jake Paul will fight again after the broken jaw he suffered against Anthony Joshua raised doubts about his boxing future. MVP has confirmed a December 24, 2026, comeback in Dubaiand promoter Nakisa Bidarian says Paul’s decision answers those who questioned his desire to return.

The opponent remains unconfirmed.

Bidarian put the injury and its aftermath at the centre of his comments about Paul’s first fight back.

“Twelve months ago he suffered a double broken jaw against a two-time heavyweight world champion and since then many have doubted his desire or need to return to boxing,” the MVP co-founder and CEO said.

“Well he is back, and that tells you everything about the competitor Jake Paul is and how much he loves this sport.”

Paul Answers With a Christmas Eve Comeback

Paul heads into his return with a 12-2 record and seven knockouts. His December 2025 meeting with Joshua preceded the year-long absence that will end when he headlines MVP’s card in the United Arab Emirates.

He has committed to another fight.

“I’m hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I’m returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey,” Paul said.

The comeback will also take Paul into a new location for his professional career. He has never contested a professional bout in Dubai, which will host the event through MVP’s cooperation agreement with the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

MVP has not yet named the opponent, venue or broadcaster. The promotion plans to release further details over the coming weeks, with no weight division or scheduled distance specified in the October 29 announcement.

Paul began his professional career in 2020. His headline appearances have since included Mike Tyson in November 2024 and Joshua the following December, with the latter leaving him facing a lengthy spell outside the ring.

Bidarian described the decision to resume fighting as evidence of Paul’s commitment to boxing. Paul, meanwhile, closed his comeback statement with a prediction for whoever signs to face him.

“Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out.”

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BoxingNews24.com has delivered independent boxing coverage since 2007, including original news, fight analysis, schedules, and results. Our experienced boxing writers cover major fighters and events worldwide, with published content reviewed by editors for accuracy.

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Tyson Fury: A Family Journey Revealed in New Netflix Documentary

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"Tyson Fury: A Family Journey Revealed in New Netflix Documentary"

Paris and John Fury join Tyson in TYSON FURYthe documentary released on Netflix today that examines the family relationships behind his heavyweight career.

Their interviews sit alongside Fury’s own account and previously unseen archive footage. Directed by Lucy Wilcox, the feature-length film follows his life from childhood through the victories and setbacks of his boxing career.

The family’s experiences form a central part of the story.

Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects explored. The documentary also examines masculinity and the personal pressures that have accompanied Fury’s success in the ring.

Paris and John contribute their perspectives on a life supporters have largely followed through bouts and public appearances. Their involvement brings those closest to Fury into an account that considers both the support he has received and the difficulties that remain outside boxing.

The release comes before another major date in his career: December 11when Fury faces Anthony Joshua at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

At their September 30 press conference, Fury described the personal significance of finally meeting his British rival.

“When I fight AJ, that’ll be the most important fight in my life,” Fury said.

Joshua spoke about how far the rivalry had reached beyond boxing gyms.

“I know in pubs, people have had proper fights about who’s going to win out of me and Tyson. I know family members fell out with each other about who’s going to win.”

Netflix will stream Fury vs Joshua globally to all members at no additional cost. It will be their first professional meeting, with the remaining bouts still to be announced.

Joshua also looked towards the younger fighters who would watch them share the ring.

“We’re going to inspire the next generation.”

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Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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