British contender Dalton Smith asserts he will be a “nightmare” challenge for the fighter who emerges victorious from the upcoming WBC super-lightweight championship bout, as Smith positions himself for his first world title opportunity.
Smith currently holds the mandatory challenger position for the winner of the title defense between current champion Alberto Puello and Subriel Matias. Their fight is scheduled to take place in New York on July 12.
The 28-year-old Sheffield native expressed strong confidence in his capability to overcome either boxer. Smith maintains an undefeated professional record of 18 victories, with 13 of those wins coming by knockout.
“I`ll be in New York to see Puello defend the belt I`m targeting against Matias,” Smith told reporters. “The Ring is organizing some notable events in partnership with His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh]. I`ve been to a few in Riyadh and I`m eager to see this one in New York.”
He confirmed that the WBC`s Board of Governors has officially sanctioned him as the mandatory challenger and ruled that he must face the champion next. Smith stated he is “very hopeful” of getting his shot against the winner.
Offering a prediction, Smith said, “For what it`s worth, I`m leaning towards Puello winning against Matias. I predicted Paro would beat Matias, and I believe Puello will achieve a similar result, but it should be an exciting fight to watch.”
“However, regardless of who wins on July 12th, I believe I have the tools to defeat either of them. Doing so would fulfill my lifelong ambition of becoming a World Champion. I genuinely think I pose a significant problem for both guys,” he added.
Separately, Adam Azim`s trainer, Shane McGuigan, offered a confident prediction regarding a potential future fight involving Dalton Smith.
Meanwhile, Subriel Matias`s promoter, Dmitriy Salita, emphasized his fighter`s power, noting Matias has secured knockouts in all 22 of his professional wins. Salita affirmed that the hard-hitting Puerto Rican is “always prepared to face the best competition.”
Salita recounted witnessing Matias`s talent personally during a fight against his fighter, Shohjahon Ergashev. He said from ringside that night, he recognized “he was something special.”
Following that bout, Matias`s team initiated contact, leading to an ongoing relationship. Salita`s team then stepped in to secure the opportunity against Puello after Matias`s previously scheduled fight with Teofimo López did not materialize.
Salita highlighted the strategic importance for a Puerto Rican fighter aiming for superstardom to connect with the significant Puerto Rican population in New York City. He noted that Matias had not previously competed in NYC, and they anticipated a warm reception from fans, particularly within the Puerto Rican community. Bringing Matias to New York for a major moment became a clear objective after a fight in Fajardo.
“That objective is now being realized,” Salita stated. “On July 12th, Subriel faces a tough competitor in Alberto Puello for the WBC world title at a truly distinctive location: the world-class tennis stadium in Queens, NY. We appreciate Ring Magazine`s role in bringing significant fights to remarkable new venues in NYC.”
Salita characterized Matias as a “true warrior” always prepared to face elite opponents anywhere. However, he stressed that Matias`s complete focus is currently on the July 12th contest, with future plans to be assessed in the days following the fight.
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