Hearn’s expectation depends on the trilogy taking precedence over the WBO’s mandatory order. If Bivol and Beterbiev reach an agreement, Smith would be left without the title shot he earned, making a bout with Buatsi for a vacant championship the logical alternative.

“There’s a lot of people saying, ‘Bivol doesn’t want to fight Beterbiev.’ That’s not true at all,” Hearn said to Fighthype. “Dmitry wants the trilogy. That’s the fight he wants. We’ll start those conversations and see what happens.”

If Bivol moves ahead with Beterbiev, Smith’s opportunity may come against another opponent rather than the champion himself.

“I think Callum Smith will probably end up boxing Joshua Buatsi for the vacant world title if that’s the route it goes,” Hearn said. “We’ll see how everything plays out, but Dmitry wants the Beterbiev fight.”

A vacant WBO title fight between Smith and Buatsi would give the sanctioning body a new champion while Bivol and Beterbiev complete their trilogy. Smith would no longer have to wait for a mandatory title shot, and Buatsi would receive another opportunity to fight for a world championship.