Dalton Smith Clinches WBC World Title
In an exhilarating weekend match, Dalton Smith, a light-welterweight from Sheffield, achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the WBC World title after defeating Subriel Matias at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Just hours following his triumphant victory, Smith found himself back in an Irish pub in New York City, celebrating with a raucous crowd of supporters who had traveled across the ocean for the bout.
“It was a fantastic night, full of pints of Guinness and great company,” Smith told BBC Sport, jokingly adding he felt the effects of just four drinks as if he’d consumed many more.
A Life-Changing Moment
The next day, amidst the bright lights of Times Square, Smith received his iconic green-and-gold WBC belt, a moment he described as life-changing and a fulfillment of his long-held ambitions to become a champion.
“It feels surreal, yet it’s been something I’ve always aimed for. The fact that I achieved it overseas with so many doubts makes it even more special,” he reflected.
Overcoming Challenges
Before the match, few in the wider sports community recognized Smith, but by Sunday morning, his victory had established him as the UK’s latest male world champion – the fifth in the nation’s boxing history.
His journey to the title was fraught with challenges. Matias, renowned for his fierce punching and a record of 22 knockouts in 23 victories, was a formidable opponent. Moreover, there were significant concerns raised about Matias’s eligibility for the fight, as he was found to have traces of the banned substance ostarine in an out-of-competition test. Although the New York State Athletic Commission allowed the fight to continue, Smith expressed dismay at the situation, believing it undermined the sport’s integrity:
“Boxing is already dangerous enough; such aspects should not be tolerated. I fought to uphold the sport’s dignity.”
Compounding his challenges, Smith faced logistical hurdles leading up to the event. A last-minute flight cancellation resulted in him arriving in New York without his team and incurring extra expenses for accommodations and travel. However, he was undeterred, exuding an unwavering confidence throughout the fight week.
Surprising Fighting Style
During the bout itself, Smith surprised many by adopting an aggressive fighting style rather than a defensive approach. He met Matias’s power head-on, displaying remarkable endurance as he traded heavy blows with the Puerto Rican puncher. His corner was fortified by the presence of his father and trainer, Grant Smith, who shared in the emotional victory celebration post-fight.
“His accomplishments are historic in English boxing,” Grant proudly enumerated Dalton’s achievements in the ring while expressing profound joy mixed with awe over their journey.
A Resilient Family Legacy
The Smith family’s resilience is inseparable from their narrative, highlighted by Grant’s own story of survival after a serious accident nearly two decades ago, which instilled a ‘never give up’ attitude that has shaped Dalton’s approach to the sport.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Dalton Smith’s next opponent is likely to be Alberto Puello, who previously held the WBC title. Additionally, there are aspirations to headline at Hillsborough Stadium, the home of Sheffield Wednesday, where Smith hopes to attract a large audience. His rivalry with Londoner Adam Azim remains a focal point as well, with both fighters aiming for a future showdown that would be anticipated by their mutual fan bases.
Moreover, Smith has his eyes set on continuing his foray into American boxing, ready to challenge the winners of upcoming fights involving notable names like Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson. As Smith savors his recent triumph, he is also eagerly awaiting a promised reward from his promoter, Eddie Hearn, in the form of a Rolex watch.
“We’ve made a deal; I’m keen to see what they come through with!” he remarked with a hint of humor.
With his newfound accolades, Dalton Smith is not only celebrating a title victory but is also poised for an exciting future in the boxing world.
