The fight between the Briton and the Cuban was scheduled several months ago, and both sides expressed a desire to hold it from the very beginning. However, the parties have not yet reached a mutual financial agreement, and the fight date is still unconfirmed.
Smith won the interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) title in February by defeating Joshua Buatsi on points. Meanwhile, Morrell was a former WBA champion. Dmitry Bivol remains the reigning WBO champion in the 79 kg weight category and plans to return to the ring this spring.