An injury to Callum Smith, endured during the 35-year-old’s final stages of training camp, has ruled him out of his fight with David Morrell. 

The contest, which was to be for Smith’s WBO interim light heavyweight title, had been scheduled for April 18 at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. Ben Whittaker’s fight with Braian Suarez, also set for 175lbs, will now be the main event.

“Naturally, it is a massive blow to lose a megafight so close to the event, and we wish Callum a speedy recovery,” said Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. 

Birmingham, England’s, Whittaker – “box office in whichever city he fights in,” according to Hearn – is being lined up for an American debut later in the year. 

“Ben will be out to show once again why he will be the future of this sport as the eventual ruler of the 175lbs division,” Hearn said.

The 28-year-old Whittaker, a recent acquisition of Matchroom’s, said: “I’m excited… You know what we do, ‘The Surgeon’ is gonna turn up and put on a spectacular performance.”

Morrell, seemingly still keen to compete in less than a fortnight’s time, took to social media to call out Whittaker: “I’m ready to fight April 18th,” he said before noting he was born six months after the up-and-comer. “How are you older than me and still a prospect? Let’s give the fans what they want to see!”

Smith, who at nearly 36 is closing in on the final stages of his career, is understood to be crestfallen at his latest opportunity slipping away. The veteran, 31-2 (22 KOs), reinvigorated his career with victory over Joshua Buatsi in February 2025 and has been hoping to build on that success ever since.

Dmitry Bivol, the unified champion, holds the full WBO title at light heavyweight, a belt he’ll defend against Michael Eifert on May 30 to fulfill his mandatory with the IBF. Bivol also has the WBA belt.

The WBO, via their president Gustavo Olivieri, responded on social media: “The WBO will grant Team Smith a 10-day period to submit a medical report detailing diagnosis, prognosis, recovery period, and expected return to competition.

“Pursuant to WBO regulations, Mr. Smith is afforded 180 days from the Bivol-Eifert bout to fulfil his mandatory obligation against Mr. Morrell. Failure to comply within this period will result in the [interim] title being declared vacant.

“The winner of Smith-Morrell MUST face the winner of Bivol-Eifert to terminate the [interim] status.”

Matchroom, via CEO Frank Smith, confirmed to BoxingScene that they will enter discussions with the WBO in an effort to get Smith-Morrell rescheduled. 

Smith has suffered with injuries throughout his career but, according to Matchroom, is for now unwilling to divulge the details of his latest setback.