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Subriel Matias vs. Dalton Smith - Eddie Hearn sends defiant message to British challenger
Matchroom's Eddie Hearn is full of confidence ahead of Dalton Smith's first shot at a world title, as he challenges Subriel Matias for the WBC super-lightweight crown.
The Briton will have his maiden chance at a major strap when he faces the dangerous Puerto Rican at the Barclays Center in New York City this Saturday.
Smith finds himself at a disadvantage fighting away from home, but expert matchmaking before this bout has put 'Thunder' in good stead for the task at hand.
Smith will beat dangerous Matias in style, predicts Hearn
Hearn has been Smith's promoter since his professional debut on May 10, 2019. That night, the Sheffield man beat Luke Leskovic on points in a four-round affair.
As Smith has advanced towards an unbeaten 18-fight record, he has amassed a sizeable fanbase in his home city with many sold-out nights at the Utilita Arena and there is the hope that if Smith is successful against Matias, he can secure a date at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday.
Speaking to Matchroom Boxing, Hearn is aware of the magnitude of this fight for Smith and believes his man will become a superstar with a win in America.
"This is it for Dalton," Hearn began. "He’s done everything perfectly, he’s won all those domestic and European titles, his apprenticeship and education has been perfect.
"Now you go out there and do what you are supposed to do which, is to become world champion. We’ve had this young man since his professional debut, he’s been faultless.
"You come over to America, to Brooklyn, to New York to win a world title on away soil. These are the kind of nights that make you a superstar and we believe he’s going to do it in style against a dangerous Subriel Matias."
Matias is a serious threat to Smith. He may have lost two of his 25 bouts, but 22 of his 23 wins have come by way of knockout.
While Smith's footwork and movement make him a difficult challenge for his opponents, the Puerto Rican has the ultimate equaliser in his punching power.
But Matias' loss to Australia's Liam Paro two years ago for the IBF version of the super-lightweight title did provide a blueprint on how to beat the 33-year-old.
Hearn was the promoter that night in Manati, Puerto Rico, and with claims that Smith is a better fighter compared to Paro, he can see his fighter producing a knockout finish in Brooklyn.
"You saw what Liam Paro did to him, when you have the ability to use your footwork, use your IQ, but it’s a hard night’s work.
"Dalton hits harder than Liam Paro. Liam Paro is a brilliant fighter and technically he got it right that night. I don’t think Subriel was at his best, but Dalton is sharper and hits harder than Liam Paro."
Watch Kabayel vs. Knyba with a DAZN subscription
January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba this Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
