Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello | DAZN - 24 October 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello likely to be ordered next, per prior WBC ruling

Dalton Smith earned the right to enjoy a victory lap – but not the right to name his next opponent.

The unbeaten Smith, of Sheffield, UK, claimed the WBC 140lbs title with a spectacular fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias on Saturday evening at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With the win came an inherited mandatory defense against former titleholder Alberto Puello, per a prior ruling from the sanctioning body.

Fittingly, Smith, 19-0 (14 KOs), finds himself in the very predicament the boxer he just defeated had confronted.

Matias, 23-3 (22 KOs), wrested away the WBC title in a tightly contested, majority decision win over Dominican Republic’s Puello last July 12 in Queens, New York. The voluntary title fight was approved by the WBC, on the condition that the winner would be expected to immediately enter negotiations with Smith, who was the mandatory challenger at the time.

Puello, 24-1 (10 KOs), and his team filed an appeal in hopes of an immediate rematch, given the competitive nature of the fight and the argument that he deserved the verdict. The request was denied but not dismissed; the WBC instead called for back-to-back mandatory title fights – Matias to face Smith, and for Puello to get the winner, without exception.

Matias-Smith went to a purse bid hearing, won by Fresh Productions, Matias’ promoter – which outbid Matchroom Boxing. The development functionally removed any hope of the fight landing on the originally targeted and Turki Alalshikh-funded Ring IV card last November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Matchroom still wound up in control of the title following Smith’s knockout victory. However, the promoter is not in control of its own fight as it relates to booking any sought-after, high-profile first title defense for Smith.

BS has previously confirmed that Puello’s team has every intention of enforcing his right as the mandatory challenger, without interruption.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith vs. Richardson Hitchins unification fight could be next, says Hearn

Suddenly, Eddie Hearn holds quite a few cards at 140 pounds.

The Matchroom chief sat ringside as his fighter, Dalton Smith, went toe-to-toe with Subriel Matias and lived to tell the tale, winning the WBC junior welterweight title by fifth-round stoppage on Saturday night in New York.

Brooklyn’s Barclays Center fell silent as Smith dropped and stopped his man in an early Fight of the Year contender. Once the fight was over, Hearn rushed the ring to congratulate his new champion.

Hearn wants Smith to recuperate, but in the meantime Hearn will be working hard on the selection of his next opponent. Although the junior welterweight division has a ton of big names to choose from, Hearn likes the idea of giving Smith the chance to win another world title.

“We’ve got Richardson Hitchins,” Hearn told The Ring immediately after. “That would be a huge unification fight.”

Hitchins, The Ring’s No. 1 ranked 140-pounder and current IBF champion, was hoping to have a fight date by now.

After successfully defending his strap against George Kambosos last summer, Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) was expected to make an appearance on ‘The Ring 6’ on January 31 at Madison Square Garden.

However, just when Hitchins looked to be on the verge of signing to fight Jamaine Ortiz, the deal fell through. Since then, Hitchins has said he wants to take on a big name.

Hearn now believes that Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) fits that mold. Putting them in the ring against one another could be easy. Smith has been a part of Hearn’s stable since the beginning and Hitchins recently re-signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom in early December.

As previously reported by various outlets and later confirmed by The Ring, Hearn is entertaining the idea of making a fight between Hitchins and No. 3 ranked IBF contender, Oscar Duarte. But while that fight may very well be on the table, Hearn may push past him and put on a bigger fight.

“It’s possible,” Hearn admitted when discussing Duarte as possibly being next for the IBF champion. “But maybe we’ll just unify against Hitchins.”

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What's next for new WBC champion Dalton Smith?

Dalton Smith announced his arrival at the top table of junior welterweights in style Saturday night when he dethroned WBC king Subriel Matias at Brooklyn's Barclays Center.

At 28 years old, Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) now has the world at his feet but what are his options as he plots a path through the rest of 2026? We take a look.

Alberto Puello

As it stands, this looks like the most likely next step for Smith, whether he likes it or not. The Dominican southpaw lost the WBC title in a contested majority decision defeat to Matias in July and, after an appeal, the sanctioning body declared that Puello would face the winner of Saturday’s fight next.

Should Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) decide to press on with that plan, Smith would likely have no choice but to face his mandatory challenger next. However, this is boxing and would not be the first time a plan has changed. Could the WBC agree to a unification instead, or maybe grant the new champion the chance of a voluntary first? Time will tell.

The Ring 6: Teo vs. Shakur winner

Unsurprisingly, Smith's top target will be whoever emerges victorious from The Ring VI’s main event between WBO 140-pound champ Teofimo Lopez and divisional newcomer Shakur Stevenson later this month.

It is obvious that whoever wins in Manhattan, particularly if they produce an emphatic victory, will be considered not only the No. 1 at the weight but also the biggest money fight in the division. Whether they would opt to unify with Smith this summer is another matter but it would likely be his dream next fight.

Richardson Hitchins

With WBA champion Gary Antuane Russell set to face his mandatory challenger Andy Hiraoka early this year, current IBF king Richardson Hitchins represents Smith's only other chance at an immediate unification.

As reported by The Ring, the 28-year-old New Yorker seems to be on a collision course with Oscar Duarte after the IBF allowed him another fight before he has to defend against mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado. Eddie Hearn, who promotes both men, has already talked up the possibility of Smith facing Hitchins but, as it stands, this looks like one for further down the line should they both keep their belts.

Adam Azim

No list about Dalton Smith would be complete without mentioning his domestic rival Adam Azim. The puncher from Slough has business to attend to in Gustavo Lemos on January 31 but a statement victory would only crank up the clamour for Smith-Azim once again.

Shane McGuigan, Azim's trainer, has suggested that the pair should wait until they are both world champions before fighting each other but a big enough financial offer would undoubtedly secure this fight in the summer.

Maxi Hughes

A bit of a wild card here but this Yorkshire derby might just be the most likely domestic clash on the list for Smith. Of course this would be reliant on the WBC granting Smith a defence and what better way than a homecoming show with Rossington southpaw Hughes employed as dance partner.

Only an hour on the M1 separates the pair and a fight would no doubt do good business at any arena in Yorkshire. It has been discussed before without ever materialising but 35-year-old Maximus might just be the perfect opponent for Smith's next step.

[Taansend]

I watched Puello beat Russell. He put in a good/ugly performance that night.

I thought he lost to Sandor Martin. I thought Martin beat Teo Lopez too. Both fairly close though.

Puello is a horrible option for a hometown defence as he looks to spoil & fiddle and Dalton needs a rocking Sheffield Venue that he deserves after his amazing showing in New York.

But it is what it is. I hope Smith smashes him but it's more likely going to be a Froch Dirrell type affair.

[Ruthless-RKO]

ALBERTO PUELLO PRAISES DALTON SMITH, FEELS HIS FIGHT HELPED 'WEAKEN' SUBRIEL MATIAS

Alberto Puello watched with vested interest last Saturday as Dalton Smith picked up his old title, knocking out Subriel Matias in five rounds.

The former WBC junior welterweight titleholder knew after last month's Bangkok convention he would face the winner and now knows it will be Sheffield puncher Smith (19-0, 14 KOs).

Puello, The Ring's No. 3-rated junior welterweight contender, lost a controversial 12-round majority decision to Matias during The Ring III card on July 12, but wasn't surprised the Brit ripped the belt from his old rival, commending him for the manner of his victory.

"It was a good fight," Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) told The Ring through a translator. "I remember that Subriel was easy to hit and Dalton has good punching power.

"I thought Smith's strategy of going for the knockout and not leaving the decision to the judges - so the same thing that happened to me wouldn't to him - was very good."

However, the 31-year-old southpaw does feel as though his battle with Matias took something from the Puerto Rican and aided Smith.

"The fight against me was very tough," he said. "I think I helped make Subriel come out weaker and less intense because of how tough our fight was."

Now that the dust is settling, Puello is relaxed about what is next or where it takes place.

"I have no problem with wherever the fight is held," he said at the prospect of potentially going to England for Smith's homecoming.

"I'm a very disciplined boxer and I'm eager to reclaim my title."

His promoter, Belgica Pena of Shuan Promotions, says this is next and is ready to make it happen.

"We're going straight for the world title against Dalton Smith," she said.

"Dalton is a great champion, but Puello is a very complete boxer and has shown that he doesn't limit himself, he's intelligent and disciplined. With these qualities, he has great opportunities to win this fight and many more."

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBC have confirmed this fight has to happen.

Will be ordered soon.

No voluntary, no unifications yet..

[Ruthless-RKO]

Now ordered

[Cent0089]

Good fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello WBC mandatory title fight ordered

The time has come for Dalton Smith to move forward with his first title defense.

Boxing Scene has confirmed that the WBC has formally ordered a mandatory title fight between Smith as its reigning 140lbs titlist and former two-time belt holder Alberto Puello. The two sides were given 30 days to reach terms before the matter is sent to a purse bid hearing.

“Serve this letter as the beginning of the free negotiations period for the mandatory fight between WBC [140lbs] champion Dalton Smith and mandatory challenger Alberto Puello,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman informed both parties in a ruling obtained by Boxing Scene. “If no agreement is reached between parties, the WBC will conduct a purse offer pursuant to the WBC Rules and Regulations on Friday, April 3, 2026.”

Smith, 19-0 (14 KOs), is promoted by Matchroom Boxing (the abovementioned letter was addressed to “Eddie Hearns”). Puello, 24-1 (10 KOs), is represented in this matter by TGB Promotions’ Tom Brown on behalf of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). A native of Dominican Republic, Puelo is promoted by Belgica Pena’s Shuan Boxing.

Smith inherited the mandatory title defense following his upset, fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias on January 10 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The unbeaten Brit entered that fight as the existing mandatory challenger.

However, Puello became the second mandatory in waiting, on the strength of his strong showing in a disputed defeat to Matias to end his title stay last July 12 in Queens, New York.

The final outcome was questionable enough that Puello’s appeal for an immediate rematch was countered with a guarantee that he will next face the January 10 winner, without exception.

Puello previously held the WBA 140lbs title.

His reign ended outside the ring when he tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene ahead of an eventually canceled May 2023 title defense versus Rolando “Rolly” Romero. Puello was stripped of the title and issued a suspension, even though he was able to prove that the substance in question was prescribed and used in an effort for he and his wife to start a family.

Puello returned to the ring later that December and earned a shot at the interim version of the WBO 140lbs title. He claimed the secondary belt with a June 2024 victory over then-unbeaten Gary Antuanne Russell. One successful defense followed – a March 2025 split decision victory over Sandor Martin – before Puello dropped a majority decision to Matias.

Smith first entered the title contender stage after a March 2024 knockout victory over veteran contender Jose Zepeda in Smith’s hometown of Sheffield, England. He added two more wins while awaiting his title shot, including a lopsided points victory over Mathieu Germain last April 19, also in Sheffield.

[mickey1975]

Early June in Sheffield.

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBC Orders Dalton Smith to defend title against Alberto Puello

An opponent has officially been selected for Dalton Smith’s first title defense.

The WBC has formally ordered The Ring’s No. 1 junior welterweight to make his first defense against his mandatory challenger, former two-time belt holder Alberto Puello.

The sanctioning body has given the fighters 30 days to come to an agreement. If they fail, a purse bid will be called.

“Serve this letter as the beginning of the free negotiations period for the mandatory fight between WBC champion Dalton Smith and mandatory challenger Alberto Puello,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said in a statement. “If no agreement is reached between parties, the WBC will conduct a purse offer pursuant to the WBC Rules and Regulations on Friday, April 3, 2026.”

Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) scored a major upset on January 10, when he dropped and knocked out Subriel Matias in the fifth round to win the belt.

Puello, The Ring’s 5th-ranked 140-pounder, became the mandatory in waiting following his controversial split decision loss to Matias on July 12. Puello filed an appeal for an immediate rematch.

That appeal wasn’t granted. Instead, Puello was guaranteed the winner of Smith vs. Matias.

Smith was hoping to secure a unification bout against the likes of IBF champion Richardson Hitchins or a lucrative matchup with Ring and WBO junior welterweight belt holder Shakur Stevenson.

However, the 29-year-old from Sheffield, England, will have to deal with his mandatory first.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith preparing for summer ‘homecoming’ against Alberto Puello

Dalton Smith has been told to expect a homecoming contest when he makes the first defence of his WBC junior-lightweight title.

The Englishman, 29, has been ordered by the sanctioning body to fight Alberto Puello, 31 and of the Dominican Republic.

Smith transformed his career when in January he so impressively stopped Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matias in five rounds at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and his promoters Matchroom are planning to reward him by bringing Puello to his home city of Sheffield.

“We’ll probably have some news in the next couple of weeks but I wanna be back out June, July time in my hometown,” Smith told Boxing Scene. “Whoever it is, it’s gonna be a big night.

“It’s a good fight for me [against Puello]. I like southpaws. We were preparing for him before Matias beat him. We’ve been studying him for the best part of a year. He’s a good fighter – but there’s no easy fights at world level.

“My team’s been in talks. Nothing’s been signed off; nothing’s agreed yet. I’ve had no news yet. We’ll probably know the next couple of weeks.

“[But] one hundred per cent, Puello will be coming to Sheffield, if it happens. If the fight’s happening he’s coming to Sheffield. I’ve had my fair share of going overseas; I’ve done my time.”

Smith was then asked if the summer date he is expecting means that he could yet fight Puello in a stadium, and he responded: “We don’t know yet. We’ll see what we can get ticked off.”

On Sunday he was rewarded for his success when he was given the Dennie Mancini Award by the British Boxing Board of Control in the latest demonstration of the extent to which his performance against Matias has led to recognition of his abilities around the world.

“Every fighter has to have that fight where they answer a lot of questions,” he said. “I always believed – I always knew it – but it’s proving it to the world and the wider boxing audience. I’ve done that now. I’m just looking forward to the rest of the year."

[Taansend]

I was honestly very very surprised by how fornicating good Dalton was in the Subriel fight. I thought he was decent Euro level.

That performance completely threw me.

I hope he keeps on surprising me as I see this as a very dangerous fight. The complete opposite style to Matias.

As I mentioned above I see it like Froch Dirrell. Hopefully he proves me very wrong again.

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Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello expected for June 6 at Sheffield Arena

Dalton Smith is expected to make the first defense of his WBC junior welterweight title against Alberto Puello, his mandatory, on June 6 inside the Sheffield Arena in England on a Matchroom card.

Smith, 19-0 (14 KOs), turned in a scintillating performance to claim the belt from Subriel Matias at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on January 10. The Briton had made no secret of wanting a homecoming bout for his next fight, nor that Puello would be the opponent.

“It’s a good fight for me,” he told Boxing Scene last week. “I like southpaws. We were preparing for him before Matias beat him. We’ve been studying him for the best part of a year. He’s a good fighter – but there are no easy fights at world level.”

The 24-1 (10 KOs) Puello, from Dominican Republic, lost the WBC title to Matias on points in July last year and hasn’t fought since. The 31-year-old can boast victories over Sandor Martin and Gary Antuanne Russell before that, however.

Smith had wanted to fight at Hillsborough Stadium, the home of Sheffield Wednesday, but with the football club in administration securing the stadium proved too difficult. Matchroom and Smith remain hopeful that he will get to fight there in the future.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed some memorable nights at the Sheffield Arena. He won the British title there in 2022 when he stopped Sam o’maison in six rounds before claiming the Commonwealth title with victory over Sam Maxwell the following year. In 2024, at the same venue, he knocked out Jose Zepeda in five rounds in what was his biggest victory before challenging Matias.

[keithmoonhangover]

Early June in Sheffield.

Think I'll go to this one, how about you Mick?

[mickey1975]

Early June in Sheffield.

Think I'll go to this one, how about you Mick?

Maybe. Almost certainly if Leo is on.

[keithmoonhangover]

Early June in Sheffield.

Think I'll go to this one, how about you Mick?

Maybe. Almost certainly if Leo is on.

Hopefully a good night's sport. My Grandson is begging me to take him to a show, this could be the one.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello Targeted For June 6 In Sheffield

Alberto Puello will have a chance to become a three-time 140-pound champion, but it won’t be easy.

The Ring has learned that a deal is being finalized for Puello to challenge WBC super lightweight champ Dalton Smith, who was mandated to face Puello next. The target date and location are June 6 at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England, Smith’s hometown. Smith is 3-0 at that venue, with each of his victories coming via stoppage.

Smith, The Ring’s No. 1 junior welterweight contender, was forced to dig deep in order to win his first world title. The 29-year-old Smith sauntered into Barclays Center in Brooklyn for his U.S. debut and dethroned hard-hitting Subriel Matias on January 10.

Heading in, Matias promised to make him quit. Despite being an underdog and seemingly gassed, Smith dropped and stopped the Puerto Rican power puncher in the fifth round.

Prior to Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) ripping away Matias’ title, Puello was lurking in the background.

Roughly six months before facing Smith, Matias (23-3, 22 KOs) scored a controversial majority-decision win over Puello on “The Ring III” undercard July 12 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

Soon after, the Dominican Republic’s Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) and his team filed an appeal with the WBC for an immediate rematch. Although it was denied, the sanctioning body ordered the winner of Matias versus Smith to face Puello. That order officially came March 5.

Initially, Smith hoped to land a unification bout next after defeating Matias. He called out the likes of Shakur Stevenson, who won The Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles by beating Teofimo Lopez in “The Ring 6” main event January 31 at Madison Square Garden, and Richardson Hitchins, the IBF belt-holder.

[Cent0089]

What worked against Matias, will not work against Puello IMO. Anyway, good fight, looking forward to it

[Ruthless-RKO]

ANNOUNCED: Dalton Smith makes the first defence of his WBC junior welterweight title against former champion Alberto Puello on June 6th in Sheffield, live on DAZN.

[Taansend]

What would be some good undercard bouts including fighters from nearby?

[WestEndRiot]

What would be some good undercard bouts including fighters from nearby?

Surely Junaid Bostan. And hopefully a meaningful fight despite losing the last one

[Ruthless-RKO]

[SeanBrennan]

Joe Howarth for an area title

[Ruthless-RKO]

Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello confirmed for June 6 in Sheffield

As Boxing Scene 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.”