Dalton Smith will not be able to defend his WBC super-lightweight crown against Alberto Puello as a training injury has forced him out of the bout. The cancellation came as a disappointment to fans who were looking forward to a June 6 showdown in Sheffield, the boxer’s hometown, where Smith was slated to make his first defense after capturing the belt from Subriel Matias in January. The original plan was for Smith to headline the event, joining a growing list of British champions who have recently claimed world titles.
Alongside heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball, Smith would have become the latest male world champion from the United Kingdom to add his name to that elite group. Because Smith’s fight has now been removed from the card, the promoters have reshuffled the main attraction. The headline spot will be taken by Galal Yafai, who will contest a unification bout for the WBC and WBA flyweight championships against Ricardo Sandoval at the Utilita Arena. Yafai’s inclusion ensures that the event still features a world‑title clash, but the loss of the super‑lightweight defense is a significant blow to the local audience who had hoped to see their hometown hero on the biggest stage.
Smith, who is 28 years old, entered the ring against Matias in Brooklyn with an unblemished 18‑0 record. He secured the title with a dramatic fifth‑round knockout, delivering a powerful right hook that sent the Puerto Rican challenger to the canvas. The referee intervened and stopped the contest even though Matias attempted to rise, cementing Smith’s perfect record at 19‑0.
Earlier in the same round, Smith had already landed a crisp right hand that further destabilised Matias, showcasing the British boxer’s aggressive style and knockout power. The victory over Matias was not without controversy. In the lead‑up to the fight, Matias tested positive for a prohibited substance in November, casting a shadow over the bout. However, after a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities concluded a month later that Matias had not breached any regulations, clearing him of any wrongdoing.
This decision allowed the fight to proceed as scheduled and gave Smith the opportunity to claim the title. Matias had offered a tough challenge in the early stages, employing a mix of uppercuts and combination punches that tested Smith’s defenses. Nevertheless, the British boxer adapted quickly, finding openings to land his signature right hand. The knockout not only gave Smith his first world championship but also marked the first time Matias had been stopped in his professional career, dropping his record to 23‑3.
Looking ahead, Smith’s injury raises questions about when he will be able to return to the ring and schedule a new defense. The nature of the injury has not been fully disclosed, but sources close to the camp suggest it is serious enough to require a period of rest and rehabilitation. In the meantime, the WBC will likely seek a replacement opponent for Puello, who will still need to fulfill his mandatory challenger obligations.
The broader boxing calendar for 2026 remains packed with high‑profile match‑ups. Fans can keep track of upcoming events through platforms that offer streaming services, such as NOW, which provides contract‑free access to live bouts and related content.
For those who enjoy in‑depth analysis and interviews, the Toe2Toe podcast releases new episodes each week, covering everything from fight previews to post‑fight breakdowns. Additionally, the sport’s most memorable moments and highlights are readily available on various video platforms, ensuring that enthusiasts never miss a beat. For regular updates, Sky Sports continues to engage audiences via WhatsApp, delivering the latest news, video clips, feature stories, expert analysis, and more directly to subscribers’ phones.
This multi‑channel approach reflects the growing demand for real‑time information in the digital age. In summary, Dalton Smith’s withdrawal from his scheduled defense due to injury is a setback for both the fighter and his supporters in Sheffield.
While the event will still showcase a world‑title unification bout featuring Galal Yafai and Ricardo Sandoval, Smith’s absence leaves a void that will be felt until he can recover and return to the sport. His impressive knockout victory over Subriel Matias remains a highlight of his career, and fans will be eager to see him back in action once he is medically cleared.