Dalton Smith vs. Jose Zepeda: Clinical Fifth-Round KO Steals the Show

On Saturday, March 23, Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs) defeated Jose Zepeda (37-5, 28 KOs) by fifth-round KO at the Sheffield Arena, Sheffield. The impressive card promoted by Matchroom Boxing was broadcast live on DAZN. It was a clinical performance from the Sheffield fighter that has propelled him on the world scene.

Dalton Smith Stops Jose Zepeda in Impressive Style

Dalton Smith vs. Jose Zepeda Recap

The fight began with a cagey opening round, with Zepeda the aggressor and having success with his long left hand. Smith landed an impressive 1-2 combination at the end of round two, but Zepeda seemed confident. The Brits movement and smart left-right combinations allowed him to take over and dictate the tempo. Round four again showed “Thunder” landing impressive combinations. Round five saw the Sheffield fighter land a beautiful right hand to the body, which forced Zepeda into a crumpled heap, and unable to continue, leaving Smith victorious.

Stunner from Smith 🥶#SmithZepeda pic.twitter.com/1m7YFyoKQk

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 23, 2024

Post Fight Quotes

Smith was full of respect for his opponent but clear on who he wants next: “First of all – I want to show my respect towards Jose Zepeda.” He continued: When asked what’s next: “I don’t call many names out, but Adam Azim, where you at?”

Promoter Eddie Hearn was full of praise for his fighter: “That was a world-class performance.” In a message to Adam Azim, Hearn said: “I dare you to fight Dalton Smith.”

Sandy Ryan vs. Terri Harper

Sandy Ryan (7-1-1, 3 KOs) impressed with her clinical victory over Terri Harper (14-2-2, 6 KOs), retaining her WBO women’s welterweight title. Ryan was exceptional from the first bell using her jab as an effective range finder before working the body of Harper to great effect. Harper tried to fight back, but the work rate and accuracy of Ryan was exceptional, and she upped her output again in rounds three and four, landing some hurtful, spiteful punches. Before round five, the corner of Harper had seen enough as they waved the contest off. After the fight, promoter Hearn said: “She (Ryan) is the best welterweight in the world.”

Undercard

After 12 gruelling rounds, the more calculated work from Ishmael Davis (13-0, 6 KOs) made the difference as he defeated Troy Williamson (20-3-1, 14 KOs) by unanimous decision, with the judge’s scorecards reading 117-111 and 116-112 x2.

In a thrilling fight for the central area super lightweight title, James Flint (14-1-2, 3 KOs) defeated Campbell Hatton (14-1, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision, with the judges scorecards reading 97-95, 97-94 and 98-92.

Nico Leivars (6-0-1, 1 KO) overcame a difficult cut in the early part of the fight and came on strong before stopping Piotr Mirga (7-3, 0 KOs) in the ninth round of their super bantamweight contest.

Before the Bell

Liam Cameron (23-5, 10 KOs) continued his comeback with a first-round TKO win over Hussein Itaba (16-9-3, 11 KOs).

Rising star Leli Buttigieg (3-0, 1 KO) was impressive once again as he knocked down Bartlomiej Stryczek (2-3, 1 KO) and won by unanimous decision, with the referee scoring the contest 60-53.

Connan Murray (8-0, 1 KO) extended his 100% professional record by defeating the awkward Edgar Kemsky (3-7-1, 1 KO), with the judge’s scorecards reading 60-54.