Dalton Smith's first title defense set for his hometown against former champion

Dalton Smith is getting a homecoming for the first defense of his WBC super lightweight title, but it's going to be a stiff test.

Matchroom Boxing announced on Tuesday that Smith will defend the gold against former two-time 140-pound champion Alberto Puello on Saturday, June 6, from the Sheffield Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England, Smith's hometown, live and exclusively on DAZN.

Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) ventured across the Atlantic in January to batter and stop Sabriel Matias, who beat Puello for the WBC title in July, in the fifth round to capture his first major world championship. 

Now, Smith looks to put on a show in front of his hometown fans. 

"It’s straight into a mandatory defence, so you expect world-class opponents," Smith said in a statement. "There’s no denying Puello’s a top boxer. He’s a two-time champion for a reason.
 
"But I went to New York as the away fighter, with all the outside-the-ring stuff going on, and went toe-to-toe with the supposed bogeyman who had just beaten Puello - but that’s what we’re about in Sheffield: full of heart and nuts of steel. Puello’s an awkward southpaw, but it’s well known I love that style. It’ll be a big performance from me in my homecoming."

Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) won the WBC belt from Gary Antuanne Russell back in June 2024. He went on to successfully defend the championship over Sandor Martin in March 2025. The 31-year-old is ready to bring the gold back home and become a three-time champion. 

"I’m excited to be fighting for my title again on June 6,” Puello said in a statement. "I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the United Kingdom in front of its wonderful fan base.
 
“[Dalton] Smith a good boxer. I’m excited to share the ring with him and give the fans a great fight."

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