It is not official that WBC light welterweight champion Subriel Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) will defend his title against Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) on January 10, 2026 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Dalton Smith’s Fast-Track Reality Check
Compared to some of the other options available to Matias, this is a medium level opponent. Although 28-year-old Briton Smith is undefeated, he hasn’t faced any significant contenders at 140 during his six-year professional career.
Matchroom-promoted Dalton Smith was quickly moved up the rankings without facing any of the light welterweight killers. He wasn’t much of an amateur until he turned pro, finishing with an average record of 39-11, which screams mediocre. It’s hard to know how well he’ll react in his first real fight against a quality fighter in Matias.
Puerto Rico former IBF 140-lb champion Matias looked like a ruthless executioner by dethroning WBC champion Alberto Puello via a 12-round majority decision earlier this year on July 12 in Queens, New York.
Why Brooklyn is the perfect location
Cesar Seda broke the news earlier today about Matias vs. Smith taking place on January 10, 2026 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The venue works better for Puerto Rican Matias, as many of his New York fans will be in attendance. So he won’t be short of fans to back him against the visiting fighter, Smith.
Dalton’s last seven wins
- Matthew Germain
- Walid Quiz
- Joseph Zepeda
- Sam Maxwell
- Billy Allington
- Kaisey Benjamin
- Sam O’maison
As you can see, Dalton Smith was not a risk taker with the opposition he faced. Whether he had any say in the type of opposition he faces is unclear. It’s a red flag that Matchroom chose to match Smith so poorly for a solid six years. There was no real development going on. It was more about building a record.
🔥IT’S OFFICIAL!🔥
Subriel MatÃas will defend his title against Dalton Smith 🇬🇧 in Brooklyn 🥊#MatiasVsSmith #Box #So don’t tell it pic.twitter.com/kyv0nlavm7— Cesar Seda (@cesarseda) October 27, 2025
Last updated on 27/10/2025
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