Dalton Smith Determined To Make Noise Saturday in Sheffield

Dalton Smith, the UK's youngest world champion in boxing, is poised to defend his WBC Super Lightweight title on Saturday in Sheffield, England. The bout, a crucial match for Smith, will take place against former world champion Alberto Puello, who lost the title to Matias six months earlier. The fight is part of a Machroom Boxing card featuring several other notable bouts, including a grudge match between women's super flyweights Shannon Ryan and Emma Dolan.

The event, broadcast on DAZN Boxing, kicks off with prelims at 12 noon ET/9 a.m. PT and the main card at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.

Smith, known for his aggressive fighting style, pulled off an impressive upset win against Subriel Matias in five rounds earlier this year, becoming the new WBC World Super Lightweight champion. He demonstrated his determination to prove his worth by neutralizing Matias' relentless pressure head-on during the fight. Now, Smith returns to Sheffield to face Puello, who is highly motivated to reclaim the title he lost to Matias.

Both fighters recognize that a win would bring them closer to a potential unification bout in the division.

Puello, who has never been stopped during his career, is confident in his abilities and aims to avenge his loss to Matias. He believes he is a level above Smith and has faced opponents better than him. Smith, on the other hand, is cool, calm, and collected, ready to prove his dominance once again. The promoter, Eddie Hearn, has high expectations for Smith, hoping this fight will lead to a stadium event or a major unification bout in the first half of 2027.