Dalton Smith will not be able to defend his WBC super‑lightweight crown against Alberto Puello after suffering an injury while training. The bout, which had been slated to take place on June 6 in Sheffield – Smith’s hometown – was to be the champion’s first defense since capturing the belt from Subriel Matias in January. However, the setback in camp forced Smith’s camp to pull the fight from the card. The original plan was for the Sheffield showdown to headline a stacked British boxing night that also featured heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball.
All of those fighters, like Smith, hold world titles, and the event was being billed as a showcase of the United Kingdom’s current male world champions. With Smith’s fight now cancelled, the promoters have reshuffled the lineup, promoting Galal Yafai’s unification bout for the WBC and WBA flyweight crowns against Ricardo Sandoval to the main event slot at the Utilita Arena. Smith, who is 28 years old, entered the ring in Brooklyn in January with a perfect 18‑0 record. He secured a decisive fifth‑round knockout over Matias, a Puerto Rican contender, to claim the super‑lightweight belt.
The decisive blow came in the form of a powerful right hook that sent Matias to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the contest even though the challenger attempted to rise. Earlier in the same round, Smith had already landed another crisp right hand that unsettled Matias, setting the stage for the finishing strike. The victory lifted Smith’s record to 19‑0 and cemented his status as a rising star in the division.
The cancellation is a disappointment for British fans who were eager to see their hometown hero defend the title on home soil. It also disrupts the broader schedule for the WBC super‑lightweight division, as Puello will now have to wait for a new opponent or a rescheduled date. In the meantime, the promotion is focusing on Yafai’s flyweight unification fight, which promises to deliver high‑octane action and keep the arena full.
Smith’s path to the championship has not been without drama. Earlier this year, his opponent Subriel Matias tested positive for a prohibited substance during a routine anti‑doping test in November.
The case attracted considerable media attention, and for a brief period it appeared that the result of Smith’s title win could be called into question. After a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities concluded in December that Matias had not breached any regulations, and the victory stood. This episode added an extra layer of intrigue to Smith’s already compelling narrative. In the fight against Matias, the Puerto Rican fighter started strongly, using his sharp uppercuts and combination punching to put Smith on the back foot in the early rounds.
However, Smith’s composure and technical skill allowed him to weather the early storm. By the fifth round, the British boxer had found his rhythm, landing a series of clean, powerful punches that ultimately broke Matias’s defense. The knockout marked the first time Matias had been stopped in his professional career, dropping his record to 23‑3.
Looking ahead, Smith will need to focus on rehabilitation and recovery before plotting his next move. The nature of the injury has not been disclosed in detail, but his team has indicated that he will undergo a structured rehab program to ensure a full return to the ring.
When he is fit again, a showdown with Puello – a seasoned contender with a reputation for aggressive pressure – will likely be rescheduled, offering Smith a chance to solidify his hold on the belt. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 remains packed with marquee events.
Fans can expect a series of high‑profile match‑ups across weight classes, with major promotions continuing to leverage streaming platforms and subscription services. In addition to live fights, there are several ancillary offerings, such as the "NOW" contract‑free streaming service for boxing, the weekly Toe2Toe podcast that provides insider analysis, and a curated collection of highlights and video content for enthusiasts who want to relive the sport’s most memorable moments. For those who follow the sport closely, staying connected via social media channels like Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service can provide real‑time updates, video clips, feature stories, and expert analysis.
As the situation with Smith evolves, fans will be watching closely for announcements regarding his recovery timeline and the eventual rescheduling of his title defense. In the meantime, the British boxing community will rally behind Yafai’s upcoming flyweight unification bout, hoping that the night at the Utilita Arena delivers the excitement and drama that fans have come to expect from a night of world‑champion action.