Smith has made it clear he has no interest in going elsewhere.
“Matchroom Boxing has supported me from day one. They have allowed me to build at the right pace, to collect titles, to become a regular mainstay in Sheffield and to focus on achieving my dream of becoming WBC World Champion,” said Smith.
“Loyalty is talked about a lot these days, but my head is not yet turned. I am delighted to commit my future to this winning team as we pursue more success together.”
That line might be the most telling part of the release. Fighters usually don’t mention loyalty or outside noise unless those conversations are active around them. Smith is now one of the stronger names at 140 pounds, undefeated, improved, and based in a city where he can headline regularly.
He also hinted at a bigger target down the road, naming Hillsborough Stadium as a future target, suggesting Matchroom sees him as more than an arena attraction.
Eddie Hearn was quick to sell the next chapter, saying Smith’s upset title win over Subriel Matias in Brooklyn should be the launch pad for bigger nights ahead.
“The road to Undisputed begins now,” Hearn said.
That’s the obvious sales pitch, but first Smith has to deal with Puello, an awkward and experienced southpaw who probably won’t cooperate with long-range plans. If Smith wins cleanly, the push for unification fights at 140 will grow rapidly.
Many fans feel Smith caught Subriel Matias on the slide. Since his win has relied more on tactical holds, it’s hard to see him unifying against someone like Shakur Stevenson, if he could even get a fight against him.
Alberto Puello is a treat himself. If Dalton tries to grab and hold on to a slick southpaw, he could end up losing a decision as the Sheffield crowd boos.
