In the high-stakes world of professional boxing, strategic planning often extends beyond the ring. Sheffield`s own Dalton Smith, the undefeated super-lightweight contender, exemplifies this as he casts a keen eye on the impending WBC title clash between Alberto Puello and Subriel Matias. As the mandatory challenger at 140 pounds, Smith isn`t just a spectator; he`s a future participant, meticulously assessing his potential adversaries.
The Path to the Crown: Puello and Matias
The WBC super-lightweight title bout on Saturday, July 12, in New York, promises to be a compelling encounter. It features two formidable fighters with distinct journeys and fighting styles.
Alberto Puello, with a professional record of 24-0 (14 KOs), has navigated a rather labyrinthine path to his current championship status. His initial taste of world gold came in 2022, securing the vacant WBA super-lightweight title. However, his reign was swiftly interrupted by a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance, leading to a six-month ban and his designation as champion-in-recess. Upon his return, Puello swiftly rehabilitated his standing, capturing the WBC interim title with an upset victory over Gary Antuanne Russell in late 2023. This interim belt was later upgraded to the full WBC world title following Devin Haney`s strategic move up in weight. Puello has since defended it once, reaffirming his propensity for close decisions with a third split decision win in his last four fights, against Sandor Martin.
Opposing him is Subriel Matias, standing at 22-2 with an astonishing 22 KOs. Matias is widely recognized as the division`s premier knockout artist, possessing power that can alter the trajectory of a fight with a single blow. Despite losing his IBF super-lightweight world title to Liam Paro twelve months prior, Matias has since strung together two decisive wins, both inside the distance, maintaining his perfect knockout ratio and reinforcing his reputation as a devastating finisher.
Smith`s Calculated Prediction and Unwavering Confidence
Speaking to Sky Sports, Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) offered his professional assessment of the Puello-Matias matchup, a fight that will directly dictate his next opponent. Smith, who correctly predicted Liam Paro`s victory over Matias, maintains a similar outlook for the upcoming contest.
“I am favouring Puello to beat Matias. I called Paro to beat Matias, and I think Puello will do the same job, but it’ll be a good fight to watch.”
Beyond his prediction, Smith delivered a clear message to both Puello and Matias regarding his own capabilities. His unblemished record and methodical approach lend weight to his confident assertion that he poses a significant challenge to either man.
“But whoever wins on July 12, I have the beating of the pair of them and in doing so will realise my lifelong dream of becoming a World Champion. I think I’m a nightmare for them both.”
A “nightmare,” in boxing parlance, isn`t merely a difficult opponent; it’s one whose style, resilience, and skill set create insoluble problems. Smith’s statement is a bold declaration, suggesting a blend of strategic insight and unshakeable self-belief. It implies that for either Puello or Matias, facing Dalton Smith isn`t just another title defense; it`s a rather specific kind of bad dream for any world champion – the one that never ends until your belt is gone.
Eyeing the Future from Ringside
Smith`s commitment to his eventual title shot is further evidenced by his plan to attend the New York card. This isn`t merely a fan`s pilgrimage; it`s a critical scouting mission, offering him a front-row seat to observe the strengths and weaknesses of his prospective opponent in real-time. The card itself is significant, featuring fellow Briton Hamzah Sheeraz making his super-middleweight debut against local favorite Edgar Berlanga in the main event, adding another layer of intrigue for boxing enthusiasts.
As the super-lightweight division continues to churn out compelling narratives, Dalton Smith stands poised at the precipice of his career-defining moment. His calculated predictions and unwavering self-assurance signal a fighter ready to seize his opportunity, ensuring that the winner of Puello vs. Matias will have little time to savor their victory before facing their self-proclaimed “nightmare.” The future of the 140lb division promises to be anything but dull.
