Dalton Smith first world title defence nearing finalization

A world title defence for Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) is nearing finalization.

Matt Christie of BoxingScene reports that the reigning WBC super lightweight world champion is expected to face Alberto Puello (24-1, 10 KOs). The bout will reportedly take place on a Matchroom Boxing card on June 6 at the Sheffield Arena in England. Puello is ranked first by the WBC in their rankings and is also Smith’s mandatory challenger.

Smith won his title earlier this year with a fifth round technical knockout of Subriel Matías in New York City, NY. Puello himself is a former WBC super lightweight world champion. Following Devin Haney’s decision to vacate the title, the Dominican was promoted from interim to full titlist in 2024. After making one defence against Sandor Martin in 2025, Puello lost the title to Matías later in the year.

Dalton Smith expected to make world title defence against Alberto Puello

Given that this bout will reportedly occur on a Matchroom Boxing card, fight fans can almost certainly expect the event to be broadcast on DAZN. This would be Puello’s first time fighting professionally outside of the United States and the Dominican Republic, his home country. Smith has spent the bulk of his professional career in the United Kingdom, fighting only thrice outside of his home country.

In an interview earlier this month with Declan Warrington of BoxingScene, Smith had expressed a desire to return to his hometown of Sheffield for his first world title defence.

Dalton Smith reveals all

“[But] one hundred per cent, Puello will be coming to Sheffield, if it happens,” he said to BoxingScene. “If the fight’s happening he’s coming to Sheffield. I’ve had my fair share of going overseas; I’ve done my time.”

An official announcement may be forthcoming in the next few weeks. Fight fans can expect more details to be revealed when that happens.