Sheffield's Dalton Smith kicks Matias off the throne in Brooklyn

Boxing can make a cynic of her fans. Lurching from one episode of ethical lunacy to another defined by the absence of sense or a fighter lured by the promise of Performance Enhancing Drugs. On top of this, it is a sport increasingly dominated, commercially at least, by inactive fighters. Making it ever harder to derive a sense of connection with heroes in the way we all once did in the 'good old days'.  This is, of course, a version of the timeless lament every generation utters as they're drawn back to promote the supposed beauty, dignity and superiority of those men they idolised as youngsters. 

Regardless of substance, it is from within this frothing flood of cynicism that a story like Dalton Smith's and his triumph on Saturday night offers a refreshing reprieve from that negative and irresistible current. Smith is a relative unknown in England. He was supported by family, friends and a sprinkling of Yorkshire kin folk at the weekend, all eager to experience a big event in Brooklyn, NY and an escape from the calamitous fortunes of the Sheffield Wednesday football club they share allegiance to with the challenger. Make no mistake, this was a poorly conceived promotion. A feared, but not revered champion, placed too far from the local Puerto Rican community against a Brit with little transatlantic appeal and a flimsy undercard. In mid-January.

Impossible to know whether the vastly diminished crowd impacted Matias's energy or performance. He's underachieved as the attraction before, but remained widely viewed as a boogeyman in the 140-pound division. Despite two defeats, his 22 knockouts in 23 victories created a certain aura. A run of five opponents quitting on their stools adding to the foreboding that many felt when considering Smith's prospects, this despite the Sheffield man's notable reigns as British, Commonwealth and European champion and an unbeaten record. 28-year-old Smith appeared unperturbed by the reputation, the test Matias failed late last year and was motivated to capitalise on the opportunity despite the noise surrounding the chance. 

Liam Parro's defeat of Matias in the summer of 2024 offered a breadcrumb trail to victory and there was evidence of that in Smith's game plan in the early going. Punching frequently, Smith looked keen to punch and pivot out of the firing line, was happy to lead in 2-3 punch combinations but was also razor sharp in counter attacking on Matias' own punches. Reflective of Parro's unexpected win 18-months ago.

An overhand right in the first round would portend the fight's dramatic conclusion but at the point it landed served only to establish a degree of respect from Matias as he advanced. Smith would lead with the jab and the right to keep the pedestrian Matias guessing too. The second round was similar but the Englishman began to cling on when Matias closed the gap and he was warned repeatedly for the infraction. It was an astute tactic but looked unsustainable long term as the referee was quick to admonish the challenger. RoundTable scored rounds 1-2 for Smith, but the jeopardy was becoming more evident.

Into the third and the fight was brewing into a thrilling spectacle as the work-rate intensified and with the gap between them now closed. Matias was clearly the heavier handed of the two men and began to look ominous as he stalked and exchanged with Smith. Smith, though taller, couldn't preserve distance and began to exchange with him. A tactic which seemed likely to entertain but betray Smith's chances as rounds passed. Matias would surely catch up to him or the Englishman would fade under the pressure?

The fourth followed that pattern, Smith reduced his holding but despite an attempt as the round opened, couldn't sustain distance and opted to stay in the pocket and trade. Matias landed a collection of short hooks and an uppercut but couldn't budge Smith dramatically. Smith was cut over the left eye in the melee. Neither fighter made a significant breakthrough but the trajectory of the fight favoured the stronger puncher and the simpler, walk forward style of the champion. 

Smith was met with a degree of warning from his trainer, dad Grant, as he was clearly departing from the game plan of boxing, moving and not being drawn into a fire fight. The feedback didn't alter Smith's adopted strategy and he continued to work to match Matias, using his narrowly faster hands and better head movement to maintain an advantage. In preview, commentary that Matias too often squares up as he approaches - bringing his right foot beneath his right shoulder and his head movement being inadequate against a sharp counter puncher  - began to manifest. In the fifth, with the pair exchanging blows Smith capitalised on these technical weaknesses.

A right hand and left hook shuddered Matias, the right cheek and eye notably now swollen as he came face on to the camera. A second right hand, much like the punch thrown in the first round, followed from Smith and caught the 33-year-old high above the left ear. He lurched right, like a stricken ship and ended on all fours. He rose, but the referee was unimpressed by what he saw and brought the fight to a close with little more than half a minute of Round 5 remaining.

Smith collapsed to the canvas, tears, relief and joy shared with his Father who leant over his son. A journey taken together from the foothills of Junior Amateur competitions to the zenith of a WBC World title. It is a shame there were not more there present to watch and that the fight had flown beneath the radar on both sides of the 'pond', but, ultimately, Smith has the reward he craved and there are abundant opportunities to draw huge audiences back in the UK as he and promoter Eddie Hearn plot the most lucrative path forward

For boxing cynics, the win was a captivating and widely unexpected one and provided a much needed salve to the many irritations of 2025.