On paper, this looks like a manageable first defense. The detail that stands out is how long Dalton has been preparing for this opponent and what that preparation was built on.
“We’ve been studying him for the better part of a year,” Smith said recently. “We prepared for him before Matias beat him.” (boxing scene)
Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) is coming off the biggest win of his career. The Puello he was demolishing is the undefeated title holder who held the WBC belt before running into Matias. Since that defeat, Puello has not fought. There was no chance to see how he had adjusted or what had changed since losing his title on points.
Dalton’s preparation gives him familiarity, but it also raises a question about relevance. Film from before a loss can only get you so far. A fighter who takes a loss and time out of the ring may return with different habits or a completely different level. There is no recent version of Puello to measure up to.
Smith sounds confident, but not over the top. He called it “a good fight” and showed his ease against southpaws, while adding that there are no easy fights at world level. He doesn’t overlook Puello, but he also doesn’t describe a problem that forces adjustment.
The fight fits the homecoming Smith was aiming for. Smith, 29, wanted a Sheffield date, even pushing for Hillsborough Stadium before plans moved back to the Sheffield Arena. He knows the building, and he already knows the opponent.
This leaves a small question. Dalton is working off a long layoff, while Puello hasn’t fought since the loss. The work he did is real, but it was built on who Puello was.
Dalton bets that what he’s learned still applies, and he’ll find out soon enough.
