WBC junior welterweight titleholder Dalton Smith of England has decided to re-up on a promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing. The deal announced Wednesday will be begin with his June 6th title defense against Alberto Puello.
WBC junior welterweight champion Dalton Smith has agreed to a new, mult-fight contact extension with his promoter, Matchroom Boxing. The company announced the extension on Wednesday.
The update comes in advance of Smith's next bout this Summer, as he is scheduled to make his first defense against mandatory challenger and former titleholder Alberto Puello on June 6th at Utilita Arena in Smith’s hometown of Sheffield, England.
Smith commented on the extension in the official announcement,
“Matchroom Boxing backed me from day one. 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,” Smith said. “I’m happy, I’m continuing to improve in the ring — and I know I’ve got the best team around me.
There’s a lot of talk about loyalty these days, but my head hasn’t been turned. I’m delighted to commit my future to this winning team as we chase more success together. I will sh"ow everyone that I am the best 140-pound boxer in the world by collecting every belt in the division.”
The 29 year old Smith won the title dramatically with his fifth round TKO of upset of Subriel Matias on January 10th in Brooklyn, New York. Smith's win was one of the biggest statements made by a British fighter on U.S. soil in the past few years.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was obviously thrilled to tout the new Smith extension,
“That night in Brooklyn ranks up there for me as one of the greatest away day wins from any British fighter,” Hearn said. “The celebrations were euphoric and the memories will live forever. But this young man is not only the fighting pride of Sheffield, he’s a future Hall of Famer for British boxing and I believe there are many more special nights on the horizon for him, starting on June 6 at the Utilita Arena.
“I’m so pleased that he has signed a long-term deal with us. We can begin to maneuver a very exciting future ahead. The road to undisputed begins now.”
As for the looming matchup with Puello, 24-1, 10 KOs, he's the former WBC 140 lb. champ himself, having won the interim title by 12 round decision over Gary Antuanne Russell in June of 2024,. He was later elevated to full champion and defended it with split decision win over Sandor Martin in March of last year.
The 31 year old Dominican, then lost the belt to Matias on a majority decision in July 2025.
The Smith announcement comes on the heels of Matchroom extending other fighters of theirs, including multi-division world champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and women's WBC interim feather titleholder Skye Nicholson among others.