Dalton Smith will not be able to defend his WBC super-lightweight championship against Alberto Puello as a training‑camp injury has forced him out of the bout. The cancellation was confirmed shortly before the fight, which had been scheduled for June 6 at the Utilita Arena in Smith’s native Sheffield.
The match was set to be Smith’s first title defense since he captured the belt from Subriel Matias in January, and it would have been the centerpiece of a stacked British boxing card. The original plan for the evening was to showcase a line‑up of home‑grown talent.
Alongside Smith, fellow British champions Fabio Wardley (heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (welterweight), Jazza Dickens (super‑featherweight) and Nick Ball (featherweight) were all slated to appear on the same card, underscoring the depth of the United Kingdom’s current world‑champion roster. With Smith’s fight now removed from the schedule, promoters have reshuffled the main event, promoting Galal Yafai’s unification clash against Ricardo Sandoval for the WBC and WBA flyweight titles to the top of the bill.
Smith, who is 28 years old, entered the ring in Brooklyn on January 14, 2026, with an unblemished 19‑0 record. He secured the super‑lightweight crown with a decisive fifth‑round knockout of the Puerto Rican challenger Subriel Matias. The finish came with a powerful right hook that sent Matias to the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene despite the latter’s attempts to rise.
Earlier in the same round, Smith had already landed another solid right hand that visibly hurt his opponent, setting the stage for the final blow. The victory was a milestone for Smith, not only because it added a world title to his résumé but also because it placed him alongside other British male world champions such as Wardley, Crocker, Dickens and Ball. The win also marked a turning point for Matias, whose professional record fell to 23‑3 after suffering his first career knockout.
The injury that sidelined Smith was reported to have occurred during a routine training session in his Sheffield camp. While the exact nature of the ailment has not been disclosed, sources close to the fighter indicated that the setback was serious enough to prevent him from making weight and competing at a high level on short notice. As a result, the promoters decided to cancel the bout rather than seek a replacement opponent for Puello, who had been preparing specifically for Smith’s style. Smith’s absence from the card has broader implications for the 2026 boxing calendar.
The fight was positioned as a key event in the summer schedule, and its removal creates a gap that may affect future matchmaking and broadcast arrangements. Nevertheless, the organization behind the event has emphasized that the rest of the card remains strong, with Yafai’s unification bout now taking the spotlight. Yafai, the reigning WBC flyweight champion, will face Ricardo Sandoval, the WBA titleholder, in what promises to be a high‑octane clash of speed and skill. Beyond the immediate fallout, Smith’s situation highlights the physical toll that elite boxing can exact on athletes.
Injuries sustained in training are a common risk, and they often force fighters to withdraw from high‑profile contests, reshaping promotional plans and fan expectations. Smith’s camp will likely focus on rehabilitation and a careful return to competition, aiming to schedule his next defense once he is fully recovered. For fans eager to stay updated, Sky Sports continues to provide comprehensive coverage through its various platforms.
Viewers can follow the latest news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service, as well as tune into the weekly Toe2Toe podcast for insider commentary. The network also promotes its "Stream boxing and more contract‑free with NOW" initiative, offering flexible streaming options for audiences worldwide.
In the background of Smith’s recent triumph, there was a brief controversy surrounding his opponent Matias, who tested positive for a prohibited substance in November 2025. After a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities concluded in December that Matias had not breached the sport’s drug policy, clearing him of any wrongdoing. This episode added an extra layer of drama to the January showdown, but ultimately the focus remained on Smith’s performance inside the ring.
Looking ahead, the British boxing community will be watching closely to see when Smith can return to action. His unbeaten streak and charismatic fighting style have made him a fan favourite, and a successful comeback would reinforce his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Until then, the upcoming Sheffield event will proceed without him, offering fans a night of high‑quality bouts and the anticipation of future matchups that could feature Smith once he is back to full health. For continuous updates on this developing story and other major fights scheduled throughout 2026, stay tuned to Sky Sports’ digital channels, where the latest sports news, video highlights, feature articles, and expert analysis are regularly posted.