Benavidez has since become one of boxing’s hottest names after moving up to cruiserweight earlier this month and stopping Gilberto Ramirez in six rounds to capture the WBA and WBO titles at 200 pounds. Even after that win, Benavidez made it clear he still wants to come back down to 175 to fight Bivol.

Now the WBO could complicate those plans.

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri revealed on social media that Callum Smith is expected to become Bivol’s mandatory challenger after the Eifert fight.

Hello, Sir. The WBO will enforce Smith as Mandatory for Bivol after Eifert. Regards.

— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) May 21, 2026

Smith had been scheduled to fight David Morrell last month before pulling out with an injury. Morrell instead fought Zak Chelli and suffered a surprise loss, leaving Smith in position to move into the mandatory slot.

The situation now leaves Bivol with a decision to make if Benavidez is serious about returning to light heavyweight for an undisputed fight. Bivol could vacate the WBO belt to pursue Benavidez, or Smith could agree to step aside if enough money is involved.

The sanctioning bodies are already starting to crowd the road before Bivol and Benavidez even get close to the negotiating table.