Dalton Smith next fight: Hillsborough or Shakur Stevenson after Alberto Puello win
The Sheffield fighter kept his WBC super-lightweight title on a split decision against Alberto Puello, and promoter Eddie Hearn believes a fight with Shakur Stevenson can be made.
Post by @MatchroomBoxing on X
Dalton Smith retained his WBC super-lightweight title with a split decision over Alberto Puello at the Sheffield Arena on Saturday, then set his sights on a stadium homecoming at Hillsborough.
Two judges scored it 115-113 for Smith and the third had it 116-112 for Puello. Puello, a two-time world champion and Smith's No 1 contender, lost for only the second time in 27 fights. Smith's gym is less than a mile from the arena.
The defence followed Smith's knockout of Subriel Matias in the fifth round in New York in January, when he won the title. Matias had 23 wins, 22 of them by knockout, going into that fight, and Puello was the only man to have taken him the distance in a victory.
Smith told the crowd afterwards: “It’s got to be Hillsborough now.” He added that he would not be taking easy defences or easy fights.
The biggest name in the conversation is Shakur Stevenson. The unbeaten American has left Dana White's Zuffa boxing by mutual agreement and is expected to agree a deal with DAZN, who have an exclusive deal with Smith's promoter, Matchroom.
Eddie Hearn, who previously represented Stevenson, said: “He’s the No 1 at the weight, and now Dalton is without doubt his No 2. So, why not? I think it can be done.” A Stevenson fight would be unlikely to take place at Hillsborough, making the two outcomes something of an either/or. Domestic options could fill a Hillsborough date instead: Smith and the unbeaten Adam Azim have been linked for about five years, and Mark Chamberlain is another possible British opponent.
Smith, who plans a holiday break, said: “It’s been a long year, a great year, and next year will be better.”
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More Boxing from Combat Sports UK
- On this day in 2001: Ricky Hatton stops Freddie Pendleton in two rounds
- Tyson Fury says he could sign another 10-fight deal if the money is right
- Robert Garcia says his team pulled out of Canelo v Mbilli undercard over missile alerts
- Cheavon Clarke backs himself to beat Chris Billam-Smith again on 7 November
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.