Callum Smith defends his WBO interim light-heavyweight title against David Morrell at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on Saturday 18 April 2026. Promoted by Matchroom Boxing and broadcast exclusively on DAZN worldwide, this 12-round contest pits Liverpool’s former super-middleweight world champion against one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, with the winner expected to earn mandatory challenger status for WBO light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.
What is Smith vs Morrell?
Smith vs Morrell is a WBO interim world light-heavyweight championship fight scheduled for 12 rounds at 175 pounds. Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) puts his interim belt on the line for the first time since winning it against Joshua Buatsi in February 2025. David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs), the Cuban-born puncher who has rebuilt since a decision loss to David Benavidez, arrives in Liverpool looking to claim world-level hardware and position himself for the biggest fights in the division.
The stakes are significant. The WBO has mandated that the winner will become the mandatory challenger for undisputed light-heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol, making this a genuine eliminator for a shot at one of boxing’s most dominant champions.
When is Smith vs Morrell?
The fight takes place on Saturday 18 April 2026. The DAZN broadcast is expected to begin at approximately 7:00 PM BST (2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT), with the main event ringwalks anticipated later in the evening. Exact ringwalk times will be confirmed closer to fight week.
Where is Smith vs Morrell?
The bout takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England. The arena, located on the city’s waterfront at Kings Dock, has a capacity of approximately 11,000 for concert configurations and around 7,500 seated for boxing events. It has become a regular home for major boxing cards in the north-west of England. For Smith, fighting in Liverpool represents a genuine homecoming, with the local fighter expected to enjoy strong vocal support from the crowd.
Key Contenders
Callum Smith enters this fight riding momentum from his career-best performance at light-heavyweight. The 35-year-old Liverpudlian defeated Joshua Buatsi by unanimous decision in Riyadh in February 2025, taking over in the later rounds and hurting the previously unbeaten Buatsi with heavy shots. A former WBA (Super) and Ring magazine super-middleweight champion who won the Muhammad Ali Trophy in the World Boxing Super Series in 2018, Smith has successfully reinvented himself at 175 pounds. His record of 31-2 with 22 knockouts reflects genuine stopping power, and his 6ft 3in frame gives him a significant physical advantage in most match-ups.
David Morrell is a 28-year-old Cuban who defected to the United States and has built a professional record of 12-1 with 9 knockouts. Morrell’s sole defeat came against David Benavidez in February 2025, a 12-round unanimous decision loss that many expected. He bounced back with a narrow split decision victory over Imam Khataev in July 2025, showing resilience and adaptability. Morrell brings explosive power, speed, and southpaw angles that could trouble Smith, though questions remain about his chin and consistency at the highest level.
How to Watch
Smith vs Morrell is broadcast exclusively on DAZN worldwide. In the United Kingdom, viewers can stream the fight live through the DAZN app or website with a DAZN subscription. The same applies in the United States, where DAZN carries the full card. DAZN is also available across Europe, Australia, Canada, and much of Asia and Latin America, making this a globally accessible event. There is no free-to-air or traditional pay-per-view option for this fight. DAZN subscriptions start from around £9.99 per month in the UK and $19.99 per month in the US.
History and Records
This is the first meeting between Callum Smith and David Morrell. Smith has a long and decorated career, having turned professional in 2012 and won British, European, and world titles at super-middleweight before moving up to light-heavyweight in 2023. His knockout of George Groves in the World Boxing Super Series final in September 2018, stopping the previously durable Groves in seven rounds, remains one of the standout performances by a British fighter this decade. Morrell, meanwhile, held the WBA (Regular) super-middleweight title before stepping up to 175 pounds. His only loss, to Benavidez, was against an elite-level opponent, and his record at light-heavyweight is still developing.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for Smith vs Morrell are available through the M&S Bank Arena box office and through Matchroom Boxing’s official ticketing partners. Prices start from approximately £40 for upper-tier seating, with ringside and premium seats priced significantly higher. Secondary market platforms such as StubHub list tickets from around £128. For accessible ticket enquiries, contact the M&S Bank Arena box office on 0344 8000 400 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Given Smith’s popularity in Liverpool, strong demand is expected and fans are advised to purchase early.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Smith vs Morrell start?
The DAZN broadcast begins at approximately 7:00 PM BST on Saturday 18 April 2026. The main event ringwalks are expected later in the evening.
Where is Smith vs Morrell being held?
The fight takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England.
How can I watch Smith vs Morrell?
The fight is broadcast exclusively on DAZN worldwide. A DAZN subscription is required to watch in both the UK and the US.
Who is on the undercard?
The undercard features several notable bouts, including Ben Whittaker’s return to action, Peter McGrail vs Aaron Hayden, and appearances from heavyweight prospect Leo Atang and middleweight Jack Power. Molly McCann also features on the card.