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 disrupts what was slated to be the main event on June 6 at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, Smith’s hometown, and would have been his inaugural defense after capturing the title from Subriel Matias in January.
The British fighter had earned his place among an elite group of UK champions that includes heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball. All of those athletes hold world titles, and Smith’s victory over Matias added his name to that distinguished list.
Unfortunately, the injury that emerged during his preparation camp means the showdown with Puello will no longer take place as planned. With Smith’s fight removed from the card, the promoters have reshuffled the lineup.
The new headline attraction will be Galal Yafai’s bid to unify the WBC and WBA flyweight belts against Ricardo Sandoval, also at the Utilita Arena. The change ensures that the event still offers a world‑title clash, albeit in a different weight division. Smith entered the ring against Matias in Brooklyn with a perfect 18‑0 record. The fight ended dramatically in the fifth round when Smith landed a powerful right hook that sent the Puerto Rican challenger to the canvas.
The referee halted the contest as Matias struggled to regain his footing, awarding Smith a knockout victory that lifted his professional tally to 19‑0. Earlier in that same round, Smith had already landed a crisp right hand that further unsettled Matias, demonstrating his ability to combine speed and power.
The win over Matias was particularly significant because the bout had been clouded by controversy. In November, Matias tested positive for a prohibited substance, prompting speculation that the result might be overturned. After a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities concluded in December that Matias had not breached any regulations, allowing the knockout to stand and preserving Smith’s unblemished record.
Matias, who entered the fight with a 23‑3 record, had initially given Smith a challenging start with a series of aggressive uppercuts and combination punches. However, the British boxer weathered the early storm, adjusted his tactics, and ultimately delivered the decisive blow that ended Matias’s career‑defining moment. The knockout marked Matias’s first loss by stoppage, a stark contrast to his previous successes.
The injury that sidelined Smith has not been disclosed in detail, but sources close to the camp say it is serious enough to require a period of rest and rehabilitation. Smith, now 28, has expressed disappointment at having to withdraw, emphasizing his desire to return to the ring as soon as his health permits. He remains committed to defending his title in the future, and his team is already looking at potential opponents once he is cleared to fight again. Fans of the sport can still stay engaged with the latest boxing action through several avenues.
The 2026 boxing calendar is packed with high‑profile match‑ups, and streaming services such as NOW offer contract‑free access to live bouts and exclusive content. For those who enjoy in‑depth analysis, the Toe2Toe podcast releases new episodes weekly, featuring interviews with fighters, trainers, and industry insiders. Additionally, boxing enthusiasts can catch the best highlights and fight clips on various platforms that curate the most exciting moments from recent events.
Sky Sports continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the sport, and supporters can follow the network’s updates via WhatsApp for real‑time news, video highlights, feature stories, and expert analysis. While Smith’s absence is a setback for the Sheffield crowd, the revised card still promises an exciting night of world‑class boxing, and the flyweight unification bout between Yafai and Sandoval is expected to deliver plenty of drama.
Looking ahead, Smith’s camp will likely schedule a medical assessment to determine the timeline for his return. In the meantime, the British champion will focus on recovery, conditioning, and perhaps fine‑tuning the technical aspects of his game that he can work on outside the ring. When he does step back into the spotlight, the boxing community will be eager to see how he builds on his 19‑0 record and whether he can maintain his dominance in the super‑lightweight division.
Overall, the cancellation underscores the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where injuries can reshape fight cards at the last minute. Nevertheless, the sport’s resilience shines through as promoters adapt, fans stay informed through multiple media channels, and athletes like Smith remain determined to return stronger than ever.