Dalton Smith has the Lonsdale belt in his sights.
The Sheffield fighter, who is the most decorated amateur ever to come out of the Steel City, has carried his electric form into the professional ranks, winning all but two of his 11 contests inside the distance.
Smith, who is coached by his father Grant and managed by Paul Ready and Sean O’Toole at STN Sports, dominated Mauro Perouene last time out, retiring the Argentine inside six rounds at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena in June to retain his WBC International Silver title at 10 stone.
And now, having also picked up the WBA International and English titles at the weight, the 25-year-old will take on Sam O’Maison on August 6, with the pair clashing at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield for the vacant British title.
Speaking to his promotional outfit, Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel, Smith said:
“I want to take this opportunity with both hands, I’ve had dreams about headlining in this place since I was a kid and it gives you a proper buzz.
“I’ll be lifting the Lonsdale belt above my head on the night.”
O’Maison (17-3-1, 17 KOs) is a 31-year-old southpaw who, like Smith, is Sheffield-born. He is a former English champion at the weight and was last in action in May when he outpointed Serge Ambomo over four rounds at the Platinum Suite at Bramall Lane, the home of Sheffield United.
But Smith knows that, after producing sensational displays so far in his career both as an amateur and a pro, he has what it takes to be able to forge his way up the ladder.
Smith added:
“If the stoppage comes, the stoppage comes, if it doesn’t and the fight goes 12 rounds, so be it.
“This is what I got into the boxing for with my Dad, to achieve it together. I’ve wanted the British title since I was young and I can only see one outcome.”
Jordan Thompson takes his first step up on the card, vying for a maiden title when he meets Vasil Ducar for the vacant IBF European cruiserweight belt, while Sandy Ryan will get the chance to avenge her only defeat to date as a pro when she rematches former world champion Erica Farias with the vacant WBC International super-lightweight bauble at stake.
Aqib Fiaz features on the card alongside Kieron Conway who warms up against Aro Schwartz ahead of his outing against Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the undercard of the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy Golovkin, for the vacant WBA International middleweight title, while undefeated trio Campbell Hatton, Johnny Fisher and Hopey Price will see action.
Nico Leivars, Smith’s gym-mate Junaid Bostan and local light-heavyweight Callum Beardow complete the card.