As BoxingScene reported last week, it was today confirmed that Dalton Smith will defend his WBC junior welterweight title against Alberto Puello at the Sheffield Utilita Arena on June 6.
Smith won the title with bombastic victory over Subriel Matias in January. That triumph in Brooklyn, New York, came six months after Matias had taken the title from Puello, 24-1 (10 KOs), via controversial scorecards. Now he has the chance to get it back.
"I’m excited to be fighting for my title again,” said Puello, the WBC’s No. 1 contender. "I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time world champion and making history in the United Kingdom. [Dalton] Smith a good boxer. I’m excited to share the ring with him.”
Smith, 19-0 (14 KOs), is talking a good game, too.
"New York was a trip of a lifetime, but now it’s about bringing big world title fights to Sheffield and it’s great to start my reign as champion back at the Utilita Arena,” said Smith.
"It’s straight into a mandatory defence so you expect world class opponents. There’s no denying Puello’s a top boxer. He’s a two-time champion for a reason. But I went to New York as the away fighter, with all the outside-the-ring stuff going on, and went toe-to-toe with the supposed bogeyman who had just beaten Puello - but that’s what we’re about in Sheffield: full of heart and nuts of steel.
"Puello’s an awkward southpaw, but it’s well known I love that style.”
The event, which will be broadcast live on DAZN, will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing.
“Dalton’s win in Brooklyn will live long in the memory,” said Eddie Hearn. “It was an incredible night. Now he has the chance to cement his legacy and forge his name into folklore.”
