BoxRec

A fight poster where both guys look normal rather than like they are having their ring pieces spread out.

Press Release

Dalton Smith and Sam Maxwell will clash for the British and Commonwealth Super-Lightweight Titles at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday July 1, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand).

Sheffield's Smith (14-0, 10 KOs), who will be headlining his second fight night in his home city, is aiming to win the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge belt outright after claiming the vacant title by stopping local rival Sam O'Maison last August and then making successful defences against Kaisee Benjamin in November and Billy Allington in February.

One of the hottest properties in world boxing, 'Thunder' will be aiming to add Maxwell's Commonwealth Title to his growing collection that boasts the WBA Intercontinental Title, WBC International Silver Title and British Title, as he continues to work towards a dream World Title shot at Hillsborough, home to his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, in summer 2024.

Liverpool's Maxwell (17-1, 11 KOs), a former WBO European and British Champion at 140lbs, will be looking to reclaim the British Title after outpointing Akeem Ennis-Brown to win the famous old belt, along with the Commonwealth crown, in Birmingham back in August 2021. The former Team GB standout bounced back from his stoppage loss to Alejandro Meneses with a comfortable decision over Shaun Cooper in February.

"It will be an honour to win the Lonsdale belt outright on July 1 in my home city and write my name into the history books, as well as picking up the Commonwealth Title," said Smith. "Every British fighter dreams of winning the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt when they start out, so to win it for keeps will be a massive box ticked for me as I then kick on. Sam is a great fighter who can really punch. He will be giving it his all to get the British Title back and keep his Commonwealth Title, but I'm very confident I will have too much for him on the night and it will be another special atmosphere in the arena in front of my home support."

"It is every boxer's dream to headline a massive show, so to get the opportunity to do so on a Matchroom Boxing card shown live around the world on DAZN is amazing," said Maxwell. "My Commonwealth belt is on the line but I'm looking forward to hearing, 'AND THE NEW' when I regain the British Title. I believe no one in the world can beat me when I am at my best. I can't wait for fight night. The atmosphere is going to be unreal and my fans will definitely be heard."

"I can't wait to see Sheffield's very own Dalton Smith back at the Utilita Arena on Saturday July 1 as he looks to create more history by winning the British Title outright against Liverpool's Sam Maxwell in front of an electric crowd," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. "The arena was bouncing last summer when he claimed the vacant belt against local rival Sam O'Maison and I'm anticipating it to be even louder in there as 'Thunder' looks to pick up the Commonwealth Title in front of his growing support. He faces his toughest test to date in the shape of former British Champion Maxwell, who will be looking to claim the scalp of one of the brightest talents in world boxing and put his name firmly back in the mix at 140lbs. We've got another stacked card in store for fight fans that we will be announcing soon. Catch it all live around the world exclusively on DAZN."

I always want to go and watch Dalton Smith live then remember it will be full of Wednesday fans so don’t bother.

“Blood & Thunder”

This goes head to head with Sky PPV now.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 05:13 This goes head to head with Sky PPV now.

I’d have much preferred Price vs Bateson. I think he beats Beech Jr comfortably.

Dalt has become too boring for me. He will get Maxwell out of there but he will probably skate along in the fight and get the finish in the last seconds despite being able to finish him any time he wants.

maverick23 wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 05:53

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 05:13 This goes head to head with Sky PPV now.

I’d have much preferred Price vs Bateson. I think he beats Beech Jr comfortably.

He needs to start screaming for Jack and McCann. I doubt it, though, as he is friends with Dennis.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 06:49

maverick23 wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 05:53

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 05:13 This goes head to head with Sky PPV now.

I’d have much preferred Price vs Bateson. I think he beats Beech Jr comfortably.

He needs to start screaming for Jack and McCann. I doubt it, though, as he is friends with Dennis.

I think he beats McCann but it’s a tough fight to make. Bateson should be a lot easier and would add a chunk to the ticket sales too.

TheLeprechaun wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 06:10 Dalt has become too boring for me. He will get Maxwell out of there but he will probably skate along in the fight and get the finish in the last seconds despite being able to finish him any time he wants.

Always seems like he has another gear but refuses to use it. A bit like Buatsi.

I’d have considered going this as Sheffield Arena is 20 min drive away but the undercard is crap.

TheLeprechaun wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 06:10 Dalt has become too boring for me. He will get Maxwell out of there but he will probably skate along in the fight and get the finish in the last seconds despite being able to finish him any time he wants.

Smith is no puncher

Oh my goodness, the undercard..
https://boxrec.com/en/event/872106

Theyve only opened half the arena. And its still pretty much all for sale.

fornicate me British boxing is basically shit right now.

garethhop wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 16:55 Theyve only opened half the arena. And its still pretty much all for sale.

fornicate me British boxing is basically shit right now.

Umm, see my post above.
It's dire, unless TBA means something different from 'pointless last minute knockover' then it's really dire.

at least we get that beatriz ferriera fight we were all clamoring to see

garethhop wrote: ↑11 May 2023, 16:55 Theyve only opened half the arena. And its still pretty much all for sale.

fornicate me British boxing is basically shit right now.

Dalt is not a ticket seller with that style. Maybe he can be if he keeps winning. I wouldn't be paying to go to it. Sitting there watching him admiring his own work for several rounds until he finally gets the stoppage would just put me to sleep. Maxwell is going to be outclassed in every way.

Fight Week!!

Still think Smith's a bigger puncher than some give him credit for, trouble was against Benjamin and Allington he boxed too much and never went through the gears, he never really tried to open them up, Maxwell's always in great fights, think this could be a cracker tbh, Smith stops him after the middle rounds

Free tickets were out for ballot on Blue Light but I got a message last night that I missed out and feel somewhat relieved.

Love the main fight but the undercard is awful. Hopey Price is more boring to watch than Okolie and its thin gruel throughout.

Why are these fights on in these types of arenas with Matchroom? Same with Sunny Edwards. Leisure Centre crowds dotted around huge places. Certainly doesn't make financial sense so what's going on

veriton wrote: ↑30 Jun 2023, 01:46 Free tickets were out for ballot on Blue Light but I got a message last night that I missed out and feel somewhat relieved.

Love the main fight but the undercard is awful. Hopey Price is more boring to watch than Okolie and its thin gruel throughout.

Why are these fights on in these types of arenas with Matchroom? Same with Sunny Edwards. Leisure Centre crowds dotted around huge places. Certainly doesn't make financial sense so what's going on

God knows how you missed out. It’s about a quarter full.

Now got an email saying I'm on a first reserve list! They seem to be making it difficult for people to attend even when free