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 disrupts a highly anticipated event that was slated for June 6 in Sheffield, Smith’s hometown, and would have marked his first title defense since capturing the belt from Subriel Matias in January. The original plan was for Smith to headline the card, joining a growing list of British world champions who have recently won titles on the global stage.
In the same period, fellow countrymen Fabio Wardley secured the heavyweight crown, Lewis Crocker took the welterweight title, Jazza Dickens captured the super‑featherweight belt, and Nick Ball added a featherweight championship to his résumé. With Smith’s fight now removed from the schedule, the promoters have reshuffled the evening’s lineup, elevating Galal Yafai’s unification clash for the WBC and WBA flyweight championships against Ricardo Sandoval to the main event at the Utilita Arena.
Smith, who is 28 years old, entered the ring in Brooklyn in January with an unblemished record of 18‑0. He delivered a decisive fifth‑round knockout of Matias, a fight that not only handed him the super‑lightweight crown but also extended his professional tally to 19 wins without a loss. The finish came with a powerful right hook that sent the Puerto Rican challenger to the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene even as Matias attempted to rise.
Earlier in that same round, Smith had already landed a second right hand that further unsettled Matias, demonstrating the British boxer’s ability to combine speed with knockout power. The victory over Matias was significant for several reasons. First, it cemented Smith’s status as a rising star in the division, positioning him among the elite of the weight class worldwide. Second, it was a redemption narrative: Matias had previously tested positive for a prohibited substance in November, casting a shadow over his career.
However, after a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities cleared the 33‑year‑old fighter of any wrongdoing a month later, allowing the bout with Smith to proceed without controversy. During the fight, Matias showed flashes of his own skill, employing sharp uppercuts and varied combination punches that tested Smith in the early rounds. Nevertheless, the British boxer’s composure and tactical adjustments enabled him to seize control, culminating in the knockout that ended Matias’s professional record at 23‑3. The injury that sidelined Smith has not been disclosed in detail, but it is reported to have occurred during a routine training session.
Such setbacks are not uncommon in boxing, where the physical demands of sparring, conditioning, and weight management can lead to strains, sprains, or more serious musculoskeletal issues. Smith’s camp will likely conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the recovery timeline and ensure that he returns to competition fully fit. In the meantime, the promotional team must find a suitable replacement for Puello, or potentially reschedule the fight for a later date when Smith is cleared to compete. The reshuffling of the card has broader implications for the UK boxing calendar.
With the headline bout removed, the focus shifts to Galal Yafai’s unification fight, which promises to be a showcase of technical skill and speed in the flyweight division. Yafai, a rising British talent, will look to unify the WBC and WBA titles against the experienced Mexican contender Ricardo Sandoval, adding another layer of intrigue to the night’s proceedings. For fans eager to keep up with the latest developments, Sky Sports continues to offer a range of digital platforms. Viewers can stream live boxing events and other sports content through the NOW service, which provides contract‑free access to a broad library of programming.
Additionally, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast delivers in‑depth analysis, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes stories from the world of combat sports. Highlight reels and exclusive video content are also available on the network’s website and social media channels. Looking ahead, the 2026 boxing schedule is already packed with marquee matchups across multiple weight classes.
While Smith’s absence is a disappointment for Sheffield fans, the sport’s calendar remains vibrant, with numerous title fights, cross‑promotional events, and international bouts slated for the coming months. Boxing enthusiasts can stay informed by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp, where the outlet shares real‑time news updates, video clips, feature articles, and expert analysis. In summary, Dalton Smith’s injury has forced the cancellation of his much‑anticipated defense of the WBC super‑lightweight title against Alberto Puello, shifting the focus of the June 6 event to a flyweight unification bout. Smith’s impressive knockout victory over Subriel Matias earlier this year solidified his place among Britain’s elite champions, and his unbeaten record now stands at 19‑0.
As his medical team assesses his condition, fans can look forward to future opportunities to see Smith back in the ring, while the broader boxing community continues to enjoy a dynamic and action‑filled season.