Another world champion fighter, Dalton Smith, has re-upped with Matchroom as the company chairman, Eddie Hearn, continues to remedy the “mistake” he says he made which led to the loss of Conor Benn to promotional rival, Zuffa Boxing.
The Dana White-backed, TKO Group-owned, upstart fight firm has made reasonable additions to its roster through Jai Opetaia, Edgar Berlanga, and Richardson Hitchins, however, it is arguably the Benn addition that sent most shockwaves through the industry because of the reputational risk Hearn endured when advocating so fiercely for Benn through the British slugger’s performance-enhancing drug scandal.
Regardless, Benn switched teams in a one-fight deal worth $15 million, boxing Regis Prograis to a decision, before signing a 2.5-year, 5-fight agreement with Zuffa.
Reacting to the loss, Hearn owned the “mistake” insinuating he had a gentleman’s agreement rather than a contractual one with Conor, after a prior deal ran its course and they did not extend.
Well, since Zuffa added the welterweight to its ranks, Hearn and Matchroom have scoured the contracts they have with their remaining fighters, and have extended, where necessary.
Dalton Smith is the latest fight to renew terms. “Matchroom Boxing backed me from day one,” he said, in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “They allowed me to build at the right pace, to collect titles, to become a regular headliner in Sheffield and to focus on achieving my dream of becoming WBC world champion.
“I’m happy,” he said, “I’m continuing to improve in the ring – and I know I’ve got the best team around me.”
In a likely nod to his former stablemate, Dalton added: “There’s a lot of talk about loyalty these days, but my head hasn’t been turned … we’ve got something special. This is the team that will take me to that next level.”
Smith said he wants to collect every world title at super lightweight, but first, it all starts with his mandatory challenger, Alberto Puello, who he fights on June 6.
It is Smith’s first defense since he won the title with a fifth-round knockout win over Subriel Matias, earlier this year. “That night in Brooklyn ranks up there for me as one of the greatest away day wins from any British fighter,” Hearn looked back.
“I believe there are many more special nights on the horizon for him, starting on June 6 at the Utilita Arena, live on DAZN. I’m so pleased that he has signed a long-term deal with us.”
Other fighters to have recently signed longer-term deals with Matchroom include:
- Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez
- Skye Nicolson
- George Liddard
- Giorgio Visioli
