“We have reached an agreement and the date for the event has been set,” Olivieri said. “Wallet bidding is hereby cancelled. Announcement will be made soon.”

While no date or venue was revealed, the confirmation marks the most significant development in a game that has repeatedly stalled since it was first ordered. The World Boxing Organization had previously extended the deadline several times after negotiations failed to make progress, but ultimately arranged a purse bid as a means of forcing a settlement. That step has now been withdrawn after written assurances from both camps that a deal was finalized.

Smith competes as the interim WBO light heavyweight title holder. He last fought in February 2025 when he defeated Joshua Buatsi by one point in Dmitry Bivol’s majority decision victory over Artur Beterbiev in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Smith won the interim belt on the show and has not competed since, with Morrell’s assignment being the main reason for his inactivity over the past year.

Morell last fought on July 12, 2025, when he defeated Imam Khatayev via a 10-round split decision in Queens, New York. The performance drew mixed reactions and came amid lengthy negotiations with Smith.

After that fight, Morel made a change, parting ways with long-time trainer Ronnie Shields and starting a partnership with Ismael Salas. He is now training in Las Vegas in preparation for an interim title fight.

Once the fight is over, the winner of Smith vs. Morel will be designated as the WBO light heavyweight mandatory challenger. However, the WBO is not next in line for the sanctioning body, with both the IBF and WBA leading the rotation. Bivol retained the WBO and IBF titles after defeating Beterbiev in the rematch, although he later vacated the WBC belt.

Currently, the World Boxing Organization considers the issue to have been resolved. With prize money bids canceled and dates determined internally, a formal announcement is expected to confirm remaining competition details.