Dalton Smith makes the first defence of his WBC light-welterweight world title against former champion Alberto Puello in Sheffield on Saturday, 24 October. The unbeaten Smith, 29, returns to his home city nine months after stopping Subriel Matias in New York to become world champion. It is a homecoming that has been a long time coming. Smith was originally due to face mandatory challenger Puello at the Utilita Arena in June, but an injury suffered in training forced the fight to be postponed.
Dominican Puello, 32, is a former WBA and WBC champion whose only professional defeat came against Matias. He lost the belt to Matias by majority decision in July 2025. Puello presents a very different style to Matias: a slick southpaw who relies on movement, speed and counter-punching rather than relentless pressure.
Live text commentary begins at 21:00 BST on the BBC Sport website and app, with radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live from 22:00. Stacey Copeland presents, joined by lead commentator Ronald Mc Intosh, with Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall providing co-commentary. Ringwalks are expected at about 22:00 BST, depending on the undercard length.
Smith enters with a perfect record of 19 wins from 19 fights, 14 by knockout. Can he cap his breakthrough year with another statement win, or can Puello regain the title he lost in 2025?
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing