Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello for the WBC super lightweight world title has been officially confirmed to take place the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on June 6 courtesy of Matchroom Boxing.
Smith’s homecoming follows a clinical performance against Subriel Matias at the Barclays Center in New York at the start of the year. Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) ripped the WBC title from Matias with a devastating fifth round finish on his American debut.
“New York was a trip of a lifetime,”Smith said in a statement sent to Boing Social. “But now it’s about bringing big world title fights to Sheffield, and it’s great to start my reign as champion back at the Utilita Arena. It’s straight into a mandatory defence so you expect world class opponents. There’s no denying Puello’s a top boxer. He’s a two-time champion for a reason.
“But I went to New York as the away fighter, with all the outside-the-ring stuff going on, and went toe-to-toe with the supposed bogeyman who had just beaten Puello, but that’s what we’re about in Sheffield. Full of heart and nuts of steel.”
Puello (24-1, 10 KOs), a 31-year-old from the Dominican Republic, comes off a majority-decision loss to Matias last July. He was elevated to WBC champion following a split-decision victory over Gary Antuanne Russell in June 2024. Puello had a short reign as world champion, defending his belt just once, outpointing Sandor Martin last March. Puello also had a run as WBA champion between 2022 and 2023.
“Puello’s an awkward southpaw,” Smith added. “But it’s well known I love that style. It’ll be a big performance from me in my homecoming.I’ve had many special nights already at the Utilita Arena. The atmosphere will be rocking and I can’t wait to see everyone there on June 6, or tune in live on DAZN.”
Puello comes to upset the applecart on his UK debut. The former two time world champion has been based in Las Vegas, fighting in America in his last six fights.
“I’m excited to be fighting for my title again on June 6,” Puello said. “I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the United Kingdom in front of its wonderful fan base. Smith a good boxer. I’m excited to share the ring with him and give the fans a great fight.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added his thoughts on Smith’s maiden world title defense.
“This is another mega fight coming to British shores, and another one for fight fans to enjoy on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN. Dalton’s win in Brooklyn will live long in the memory. It was an incredible night. Now he has the chance to cement his legacy and forge his name into folklore.
“Dalton is the Steel City King and Alberto Puello, a formidable, former two-time world champion in his own right, will be in for one tough night with an electric atmosphere awaiting him in Sheffield.”
