Dalton Smith will make his inaugural WBC light-welterweight championship defense against mandatory challenger Alberto Puello on 24 October in his hometown of Sheffield. The 29-year-old British fighter will be competing in his 20th professional bout while attempting to maintain his undefeated record.
Smith captured the world title in January following a decisive stoppage victory over Subriel Matias in New York. The scheduled matchup with Puello, a former champion from the Dominican Republic, was originally set for June but required postponement after Smith sustained a training injury. Smith expressed relief at the rescheduled date, acknowledging the frustration of the setback but emphasizing his commitment to proper recovery and medical guidance.
In related boxing developments, British competitor Ben Whittaker will pursue a light-heavyweight title opportunity against Australia’s Conor Wallace in an IBF eliminator scheduled for 3 October in Birmingham. Whittaker, also 29 years old, will return to domestic competition following an impressive debut performance in the United States in June.
Promoters Matchroom Boxing also announced additional fall programming, including a British and Commonwealth cruiserweight title bout featuring prospect Pat Brown against English champion John Hedges on 19 September in Manchester. Brown, 26, holds an undefeated professional record across six fights, with all victories coming by knockout.