Dalton Smith – who Eddie Hearn recently named prospect of the year – has re-signed with the promoter in a multi-fight deal.
The British super lightweight champion was at the centre of speculation surrounding a move to rival promoters, BOXXER.
The relatively green promotional company fronted by Ben Shalom is in a broadcast deal with Sky Sports, replacing Hearn when he chose to move his company, Matchroom, to the DAZN streaming platform.
The extension of Smith’s contract represents a win for Matchroom in the sense that many UK fighters are choosing to have their fights shown on Sky via Shalom’s outfit.
The BOXXER promoter had expressed a keen interest in the signing.
Smith fought four times in 2022, picking up his domestic title in August. Upon releasing the contract news, he set out big plans for the future.
“I’m delighted to sign a multi-fight extension with Matchroom Boxing. 2022 was a huge success. I was nice and active, added the British Title to the collection and headlined at Sheffield Arena.”
“2023 I need to build on that by staying busy, winning the British Title for keeps and adding more Titles. I want to be closing the year selling out the arena before turning my attention onto Hillsborough and World Titles in 2024.”
Hearn has been singing the young fighter’s praises recently, calling him one of the brightest future stars in the sport. He echoed Smith’s excitement and the idea of a stadium fight at the home of his local team.
“I’m delighted to extend our deal with one of the very best talents in world boxing Dalton Smith. Dalton and his team enjoyed a brilliant 2022 that saw him pick up the British Super-Lightweight Title in his first headline fight in Sheffield back in August.
Some huge nights at Sheffield Arena lay ahead for Dalton as we continue to guide him towards the top of the 140lbs division and a dream fight at the home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday.”
At just 25 years old, Smith has all of the tools to become a big player in the sport with the talent to back it up.