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 is a disappointment for fans, especially because the fight was slated to take place on June 6 in Sheffield, the boxer’s hometown, and would have been his first opportunity to protect the belt he captured from Subriel Matias in January.
Smith’s rise to world‑champion status has been a source of pride for British boxing. By defeating Matias, he joined an elite group of current male world champions from the United Kingdom, alongside heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super‑featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball. The Sheffield showdown was intended to showcase that collection of talent and to give the local crowd a chance to see their hometown hero on a major stage. With Smith’s match now removed from the card, the promoters have reshuffled the headline.
The main attraction will instead be Galal Yafai’s bid to unify the WBC and WBA flyweight titles against Ricardo Sandoval, a fight that will now headline the Utilita Arena. This change still promises an exciting night of boxing, but it inevitably leaves a void where Smith’s high‑stakes defense was expected. The 28‑year‑old Briton entered the ring against Matias with an unblemished record of 18‑0.
In Brooklyn, he delivered a decisive fifth‑round knockout to claim the super‑lightweight championship. The finishing sequence began with a crisp right hook that sent the Puerto Rican challenger to the canvas. Although Matias attempted to rise, the referee intervened and stopped the contest, cementing Smith’s victory and extending his professional tally to 19‑0.
Earlier in that same round, Smith had already landed another powerful right hand that rocked Matias, demonstrating his ability to finish fights with clean, powerful punches. The win over Matias was not without drama.
Prior to the bout, Matias had tested positive for a prohibited substance in November, casting a shadow over the fight’s legitimacy. After a thorough investigation, the anti‑doping authorities cleared the 33‑year‑old boxer of any wrongdoing a month later, allowing the match to proceed. During the fight, Matias employed aggressive uppercuts and combination punching that tested Smith’s composure early on. However, the British fighter weathered the early pressure, adjusted his tactics, and ultimately delivered the knockout that ended Matias’s career as a professional with a 23‑3 record.
Smith’s injury, which occurred during his preparation for the Sheffield event, has not been disclosed in detail, but it is serious enough to prevent him from traveling to the United Kingdom and stepping into the ring. The setback postpones what would have been a landmark defense for the young champion and raises questions about when he will return to action. In the meantime, his team will focus on rehabilitation and ensuring he can come back at full strength. The broader boxing calendar for 2026 remains packed with high‑profile matchups.
Fans can look forward to a series of marquee events across weight classes, with broadcasters offering streaming options and contract‑free viewing through platforms like NOW. For those who enjoy in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes commentary, the Toe2Toe podcast releases new episodes weekly, covering everything from fight previews to post‑fight breakdowns. Additionally, the sport’s most electrifying moments are compiled in highlight reels that circulate widely on social media and dedicated boxing channels.
For followers of Sky Sports, the network’s WhatsApp service provides real‑time updates, video clips, feature stories, expert analysis, and a host of other sports‑related content. This service ensures that supporters stay informed about developments such as Smith’s injury, upcoming fight cards, and the ever‑evolving landscape of professional boxing. In summary, Dalton Smith’s withdrawal from his scheduled defense is a setback for both the fighter and his supporters, but the sport’s calendar continues to offer compelling alternatives.
The upcoming flyweight unification bout between Galal Yafai and Ricardo Sandoval now takes center stage, while Smith focuses on recovery with the aim of returning to the ring later in the year to defend his title against a worthy challenger. The resilience and determination shown by Smith throughout his career suggest that, once healed, he will be eager to resume his pursuit of further glory in the super‑lightweight division.