Dalton Smith will not be able to defend his WBC super-lightweight crown against Alberto Puello as a training‑camp injury has forced him out of the bout. The cancellation comes as a disappointment to fans who were looking forward to a June 6 showdown in Sheffield, the boxer’s hometown, which would have been Smith’s first title defence since he captured the belt from Subriel Matias in January. The original plan was for Smith to headline the event at the Utilita Arena, joining a slate of British champions who have recently stepped into the spotlight. In the same card, heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball were all slated to feature, underscoring a growing wave of UK talent holding world titles across multiple weight divisions.
Smith’s absence reshapes the evening’s hierarchy. With the main attraction removed, the promotion has promoted Galal Yafai’s unification fight for the WBC and WBA flyweight crowns against Ricardo Sandoval to the top of the bill.
Yafai, another rising British star, will now carry the promotional weight of the night, offering fans a high‑stakes clash while the organizers re‑work the remaining fights. The 28‑year‑old Briton entered the ring in January with an unblemished record of 18‑0, and his victory over the Puerto Rican prospect Subriel Matias was nothing short of spectacular.
The bout, staged in Brooklyn, ended in a dramatic fifth‑round knockout that saw Smith land a powerful right hook that sent Matias crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in almost immediately, halting the contest despite Matias’ attempts to rise.
Earlier in that same round, Smith had already found the mark with another crushing right hand, cementing his dominance and sending a clear message that his reign would not be easy to challenge. That knockout not only secured the title but also pushed Smith’s professional ledger to 19 wins with no defeats. It was a statement victory that highlighted his punching power, ring IQ, and the ability to finish fights decisively when the opportunity presented itself. The performance earned him a place among the current male world champions from the United Kingdom, a group that now includes Fabio Wardley, Lewis Crocker, Jazza Dickens and Nick Ball.
Unfortunately, the momentum built from that triumph has been stalled by the recent injury. While details about the specific nature of the setback have not been fully disclosed, the consensus among Smith’s camp is that competing on June 6 would risk further damage and potentially jeopardise his long‑term career. Consequently, the decision was made to withdraw from the fight against Puello, who will now either be rescheduled for a later date or find an alternate opponent.
The cancellation also brings back to mind a previous controversy surrounding Smith’s debut on American soil. In November, Subriel Matias tested positive for a prohibited substance, casting a shadow over the bout. After a thorough investigation, the governing bodies concluded a month later that Matias had not breached anti‑doping regulations, clearing any doubts about the legitimacy of Smith’s victory.
The episode, however, highlighted the complexities that can arise in international boxing when drug testing and regulatory oversight intersect. Matias had given Smith a respectable challenge early in the fight, employing a mix of uppercuts and combination punches that tested the British champion’s defenses. Nevertheless, Smith’s composure and power allowed him to recover and ultimately deliver the knockout that ended Matias’ career with a 23‑3 record, marking Matias’ first professional loss. Looking ahead, Smith’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, but his team has indicated that they will aim to return him to the ring as soon as medically feasible.
In the meantime, the British boxing community will continue to rally behind its champions, with Yafai’s unification bout now serving as the marquee attraction for the Sheffield event. Fans can also stay updated on the latest developments, fight schedules, and exclusive content through Sky Sports’ various platforms, including their WhatsApp channel, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast, and a curated collection of boxing highlights and videos. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 continues to fill with high‑profile matchups across weight classes, and Smith’s eventual comeback will be closely watched by pundits and supporters alike. His unbeaten record, combined with his demonstrated knockout power, positions him as a formidable figure in the super‑lightweight division.
Once he is cleared to fight again, a new title defence—potentially against a different challenger—will likely be arranged, offering another opportunity for Smith to cement his legacy and further elevate British boxing on the global stage.