Absolute dimensions and the distance modulus have been established for the early-type eclipsing binary HV 2226 in the SMC. Analyses of the new radial velocities reported here, and CCD light curves published by Jensen et al. (1988) yield component masses of 9.3 ± 0.7 and 5.6 ± 0.5 M⊙, respectively. The radii are 5.6 ± 0.2 and 5.3 ± 0.2 R⊙ with the secondary component filling its Roche lobe which implies that HV 2226 must have evolved through a case A mass-transfer process. A distance modulus of (mv – Mv )0 = 18m.6 ± 0m.3 is derived, marginally lower than the adopted mean of 18m.9 for the SMC. The position of HV 2226, however, indicates that it is in fact situated in the near side of the SMC. In the present case, the accuracy of this estimate is limited mainly by the uncertainties of ≈ 2000 K in the effective temperatures. We point out that distance moduli with uncertainties of ± 0m.15 can be achieved from accurate radial velocities, light curves and colour indices of eclipsing binaries; such systems in the SMC and LMC are therefore promising distance indicators and work on further selected candidates is in progress.