The WBC enforced this defense without delay. Puello is the approved challenger, so Smith has no voluntary option in his first outing as champion. The winner holds the WBC position in a division with Subriel Matias still leading the pack.
Smith, 19-0 with 14 knockouts, took the belt in January with a fifth-round stoppage of Matias in Brooklyn. He handled pressure, picked his spots and forced the stoppage when he hurt Matias.
Puello, 24-1 with 10 knockouts, fights from the southpaw stance and disrupts timing with his positioning. He shifts his feet, jabs and mixes up his shots as soon as he gets you to react. Smith needs to keep his form, pick his entries and avoid reaching against that left-hander.
Smith said: “It’s straight into a mandatory defence, so you expect world-class opponents. There’s no denying that Puello is a top boxer. He’s a two-time champion for a reason.”
“Puello is an awkward southpaw but it’s well known that I like that style. It will be a big show from me on my homecoming. New York has been a trip of a lifetime but now it’s about bringing big World Title fights to Sheffield and it’s great to start my reign as champion back at the Utilita Arena,” said Smith.
Puello said: “I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the UK.”
Smith’s next step hinges on clearing the mandatory. A win puts him in position for bigger fights with names already in the title mix. Puello’s route is direct. Win the belt and he returns to the top of the division.
The fight news at Utilita Arena Sheffield and streaming on DAZN.
The WBC title remains active with the mandatory enforced. The winner keeps the belt and remains part of the immediate title rotation at 140 pounds.
