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Hillsborough homecoming: When could Dalton Smith book major Sheffield bout?

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Dalton Smith is riding high at the super-lightweight summit - but just when could he achieve his other career dream of a Hillsborough homecoming?

The Sheffield fighter captured the WBC title in New York City back in January with a fifth-round TKO triumph against Subriel Matías to seal the deal.

Now, he is plotting his maiden defence, with mandatory challenger Alberto Puello tipped to be his next opponent - and he wants to do so in style.

Smith has long held a dream to mount a major bout at the home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, further confirming his local superstar status.

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So just when might 'Thunder' turn his ambitions into reality? DAZN News explores the likely path to a major open-air blockbuster in South Yorkshire.

When could Smith fight at Hillsborough?

As it stands, Smith is hoping to make his first defence in June - and with it, take his opponent onto the hallowed S6 turf in pursuit of further greatness.

"We're looking towards June time for a big homecoming in Sheffield," he previously told Sky Sports News. "That would be the cherry on top of the cake.

"A big fight at Hillsborough, that would be a dream come true. The ball's rolling in the right direction to get a big fight there. But one fight at a time."

Would Smith fight Puello at Hillsborough?

Of course, just because Smith wants to take a stadium bout at his beloved football club does not mean that his mandatory challenger is the right foe.

Puello is no small fry, having been a two-time super-lightweight champion himself as recently as last year - but he does lack some star wattage too.

Smith may ultimately decide to book the Utilita Arena in Sheffield for this first defence and chase a bigger name down the line for Hillsborough instead.

A potential unification bout with WBO champion Shakur Stevenson would be the obvious big-name opponent, though there are plenty of other foes.

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