Dalton Smith eyes winner of Alberto Puello-Sandor Martin

Dalton Smith targeted the winner of the WBC junior-welterweight title fight between Alberto Puello and Sandor Martin on March 1 after stopping Walid Ouizza to win the vacant European title.

At the Nottingham Arena in Nottingham, England, he required only three minutes to twice drop France’s Ouizza, 33, and then to stop him to record a statement victory and the 17th of his career.

Towards the conclusion of 2024, Smith learned not only that he would soon challenge for the European title, but that he was number two in the WBC rankings. The 27 year old is therefore on course to challenge the winner of Puello-Martin, in Brooklyn, New York, on the undercard of Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach, and his ambitions were echoed by his father and trainer Grant and by the chief executive of Matchroom, Frank Smith.

Dalton Smith had been inactive since stopping Jose Zepeda in March 2024 and then watched his domestic rival Adam Azim enhance his reputation. It was with victory over Zepeda that he won the lightly regarded WBC silver title, and after defending it against Ouizza he said: “I’m hoping Mauricio [Sulaiman is] watching tonight – I’m sure he was – and I hope I made him proud. I’m number two with the WBC and I wanted to have a busy year, so shout out to Mauricio. I want to be a part of the WBC family with a world title. 

“The 140lbs division, the names you’ve got, the likes of Devin Haney – the names go on. The list is massive. Whatever route I’m going down – my team says – I’ll listen to those. I’ll fight whoever. My main aim is to get a WBC champion, and that’s the winner of Puello-Martin.

“It was a frustrating end to the year. I knew I’d come here and perform because there was a lot of built-up frustration and I wanted to keep going. I knew I’d pick it up tonight ‘cause I’m hungrier than ever.

“I prepared for 12 rounds. Walid Ouizza, to come out and do that after 10 months out, I’m only going to get better. My well wishes go to Walid Ouizza first – I hope he’s alright. He’s been as respectful as they come all week – I love a fighter when they’re like that. It shows what kind of person they are as a man. I said a big thank you to Walid for being a part of this week and just for being a good person.

“It feels good. I’ve said I want to chip away and get the domestic titles. It never goes to plan as quick as you want it to, but look, that’s why we have to stay switched on; keep training hard. I’ve got the best team around me. I just work hard – no one’s gonna blow smoke up my arse. They tell me as it is. Tonight I’ve gone and got praise off my dad – I never get that in camp, but when I’ve performed I know I’m going to get praise off him. I wouldn’t be the fighter I am without those – a big thank you to the whole team.”

Dalton Smith was then asked about the possibility of fighting Regis Prograis, and he responded: “Regis is one hell of a fighter. There’s a lot of big fights for me, but the main thing I want is the WBC title.

“Next fight’s hopefully back in Sheffield. As long as I turn out and do as I’m meant to do I’m confident I can beat anybody.”

His father and trainer Grant Smith is more widely recognised for his success with the retired Sunny Edwards, but asked about his son’s performance he responded: “We worked on certain shots. Top fighters adapt in camps to styles; this camp, we’ve adjusted certain things and he’s done it. We worked on certain shots that landed, and what were finishers. We can only show him. He’s the one that does it, so we’re so proud.

“He’s showing the business in here. He turns up, he does his job, and he sells places out. He’s gonna be boxing for the WBC title next.”

Eddie Hearn is in Las Vegas for Diego Pacheco-Steven Nelson, and in his absence Frank Smith said of the performance of Dalton, who isn’t a relative: “Unbelievable. He showed the level he’s at. He’s had nine months out of the ring – delays with injury – but to get back in there with a performance like that, the dream has always been to go and collect all the belts. It’s all about going and winning a world title, which this man can do. He’s number two with the WBC and that’s the job we’ve gotta go and do next.”