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 expecting the showdown to take place on June 6 in Sheffield, the boxer’s hometown, and to serve as Smith’s first title defense after his victorious January performance against Subriel Matias.
Smith’s rise to world‑champion status has placed him alongside a growing group of British fighters who currently hold world titles. He joins heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball as the latest male world champion from the United Kingdom.
The injury, however, has upended the original card and prompted promoters to reshuffle the evening’s main event. With the Smith‑Puello fight removed from the schedule, the spotlight now shifts to Galal Yafai, who will contest a unification bout for the WBC and WBA flyweight titles against Ricardo Sandoval. That contest has been promoted to headline the night at the Utilita Arena, giving the evening a new focal point for boxing enthusiasts.
Smith entered the ring in Brooklyn earlier this year with an unblemished record of 18‑0. In a dramatic fifth‑round finish, he delivered a powerful right hook that sent Matias crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to stop the contest even though the Puerto Rican challenger attempted to rise.
Earlier in the same round, Smith had already landed another decisive right hand, cementing his dominance. The knockout not only secured the belt but also extended Smith’s professional tally to 19 wins without a loss, underscoring his rapid ascent in the division. The bout against Matias was notable for several reasons beyond the result.
It marked Smith’s first fight on American soil, a milestone that had been threatened when Matias tested positive for a prohibited substance in November of the previous year. After a thorough investigation, authorities cleared the 33‑year‑old Matias of any doping violation, allowing the fight to proceed as scheduled. During the contest, Matias employed a mix of aggressive uppercuts and combination punches that tested Smith’s early‑round composure. Nevertheless, the British fighter recovered, turned the tide, and ultimately delivered the knockout that ended Matias’s career record at 23‑3.
The cancellation of the Sheffield event has broader implications for the 2026 boxing calendar. Fans and analysts are now speculating about when Smith might return to the ring and who his next opponent could be.
Given his unbeaten streak and the high‑profile nature of his title, it is likely that promoters will seek to match him against another top‑ranked contender as soon as his health permits. In the meantime, the WBC will need to decide how to handle the vacant defense slot, potentially arranging a replacement challenger for Puello or postponing the fight to a later date. For those following the sport, there are several ways to stay updated.
Sky Sports continues to provide live streams, analysis, and exclusive interviews through its various platforms. Subscribers can also access contract‑free boxing content via the NOW service, while the weekly Toe2Toe podcast offers in‑depth discussions about upcoming fights, fighter profiles, and behind‑the‑scenes stories.
Additionally, the best boxing highlights and video compilations are regularly posted on social media channels, ensuring that fans never miss a moment of the action. If you wish to receive real‑time updates, breaking news, and exclusive video content directly on your phone, you can follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The service delivers concise alerts about upcoming events, results, and feature stories, making it easier than ever to stay informed about the ever‑changing world of professional boxing. In summary, Dalton Smith’s injury has forced a reshuffle of the June 6 card in Sheffield, removing his anticipated defense against Alberto Puello and elevating Galal Yafai’s unification bout to the headline position.
Smith’s impressive record—now 19‑0 after a spectacular knockout of Subriel Matias—remains intact, and the boxing community eagerly awaits news of his recovery and the next steps in his championship journey.