Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) won the belt in January with a fifth-round stoppage of Subriel Matias in New York, a result that put him atop the division. The planned homecoming defense would anchor his next stint as champion.
There was additional attention surrounding that title win after Matias was allowed to continue despite a failed doping test. Smith handled the fight in the ring, closing it within five rounds.
The Puello game would have marked his first defense and a return in front of a Sheffield crowd. It is now being pushed back, with no confirmed date for its recovery or rescheduled defense.
Matchroom has confirmed the change, with the rest of the card moving forward as planned. Galal Yafai’s fight with Ricardo Sandoval for the WBC and WBA flyweight belts has been elevated to the main event.
The undercard remains intact. Josh Padley takes on Aqib Fiaz for the European super featherweight title, Ibraham Nadim meets Ibraheem Suaimann for the English belt, and Leo Atang, Adam Maca and Aaron Bowen will also feature.
The immediate impact is on the WBC schedule at 140. Smith retains the belt, but the mandatory is now postponed until he returns to full fitness. The WBC schedule at 140 now depends on Smith’s recovery timeline.
