Dalton Smith boldly declared “This is my house” in fluent Spanish to rival Alberto Puello on 2023-11-16, ahead of his WBC title defense.
You’re in my house now, my friend.” The exchange unfolded before thousands of Sheffield Wednesday fans at Hillsborough, setting an intense tone for their upcoming WBC World Super Lightweight Championship bout. Smith will defend his coveted green and gold belt for the first time against Puello on October 24, 2026, at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena.
WBC Title Defense Preparations
This pre-fight confrontation, notable for its linguistic directness, saw Smith assert his territorial dominance. Puello, a former two-time World Champion, quickly retorted, “It’s coming with me now. It’s coming home with me.” The heated interaction underscored the high stakes involved as Smith prepares to make his inaugural defense of the title he claimed earlier this year.
The impromptu Spanish exchange at Hillsborough injected a dramatic personal element into the build-up for the championship fight. Dalton Smith, known for his composed demeanor, surprised many by engaging Alberto Puello in his native tongue. This move was a clear psychological tactic, aimed at unsettling the Dominican challenger.
Smith’s words, “You’re already looking skinny,” added a layer of taunt to his assertion of home advantage. Such pointed comments are a rarity in modern boxing press conferences but can significantly amplify the tension. Puello’s swift and defiant reply demonstrated that he was unfazed, ready to meet Smith’s challenge head-on.
The choice of Hillsborough, home to Sheffield Wednesday, for the face-off further amplified the local connection for Smith. Facing thousands of fervent home fans, he solidified his position as the city’s boxing hero. This public display of confidence and defiance has only heightened anticipation for the title fight.
Smith’s Ascent to Super Lightweight Gold
Dalton Smith, a native of Sheffield, secured the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in January 2026. He achieved this significant victory by stopping Subriel Matias in a thrilling away-day triumph. Smith remains undefeated in his professional career, boasting an impressive record of 19 fights with 14 knockouts.
His journey to the world title included winning the WBC Silver Championship in March 2024. Smith accomplished this feat by knocking out veteran Jose Zepeda, a performance that signaled his readiness for the sport’s elite level. The victory over Matias solidified his standing as a force within the 140-pound division.
Smith’s world title victory came via a technical knockout against Subriel Matias on January 10, 2026. This dominant performance, which took place in the sixth round at Barclays Center in New York, United States, underscored his power and precision. Now, he faces the formidable task of defending his newly acquired championship against a determined former titleholder.
Alberto Puello: Seeking Redemption and a New Title
Alberto Puello brings a formidable professional record of 25 wins and only one loss, with 11 of those victories coming by knockout. The Dominican fighter previously held the WBA 140-pound title, showcasing his capability at the championship level. However, his tenure with the WBA belt ended under controversial circumstances.
Puello was stripped of his WBA title due to a failed VADA test, an incident that cast a shadow over his career. This led to Rolando Romero fighting Ismael Barroso for the vacant title on May 13, 2023. Despite this setback, Puello has demonstrated resilience and a clear path to reclaiming championship status.
Before his VADA issue, Puello defeated Gary Antuanne Russell to capture the interim championship at 140 pounds. He then successfully defended that title against Sandor Martín, proving his ability to compete and win at the highest levels.
His ambition is palpable; he views this fight against Smith as an opportunity to cement his legacy and reclaim a world championship, making the verbal exchange all the more personal. Talks of title unification often follow such high-stakes bouts.
Stacked Undercard Features Rising Stars and Rematches
The Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puello championship bout headlines a comprehensive card at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. Boxing fans will witness a range of exciting matchups, from international title fights to highly anticipated professional debuts. This commitment to a full night of action ensures value for ticket holders and broadcast viewers alike.
One notable bout sees Giorgio Visioli taking on Maxi Hughes for the WBC International Silver Lightweight Title. This contest features two determined fighters vying for regional supremacy, a crucial step in their respective career trajectories. Another exciting clash is the rematch between Shannon Ryan and Emma Dolan, who will compete for the British, Commonwealth, and IBF Intercontinental Titles.
The undercard also introduces new talent to the professional ranks. North East Cruiserweight prospect Divine Omojor is set to make his eagerly awaited professional debut, a moment many aspiring boxers dream of. Additionally, teenage Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang aims to extend his impressive start in the blue-ribbon division.
Atang already boasts eight victories, seven by knockout, since turning professional last year, marking him as a talent to watch. Dominant performances from young heavyweights often capture significant attention in the sport.
Global Broadcast and Viewer Information
The entire boxing event, featuring Dalton Smith’s WBC World Super Lightweight title defense against Alberto Puello, will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. This global reach ensures that boxing enthusiasts across different time zones can tune in to witness the action. The main card is scheduled to commence at various times depending on geographical location.
For viewers in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, the broadcast begins at 12:00 p.m. Central Mexico Time. Those in the United States can catch the action starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.
In South America, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Panama will see the fights begin at 1:00 p.m., while Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Venezuela commence at 2:00 p.m. Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile will start their coverage at 3:00 p.m.
European fans, including those in Spain, can expect the event to kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time. These staggered start times accommodate the international audience, a common practice for major boxing events. Fans interested in attending live can find remaining tickets and full card details on matchroomboxing.com, ensuring no one misses out on the live experience of this significant title fight.
Implications for the Super Lightweight Division
The outcome of the Dalton Smith versus Alberto Puello fight carries considerable weight for the WBC Super Lightweight division. A victory for Smith would not only mark a successful first defense but also solidify his position as a dominant champion. It would also further establish Sheffield as a significant hub for world-class boxing, reinforcing the competitive landscape of the sport.
Should Puello emerge victorious, it would represent a remarkable comeback story, allowing him to regain a world title after his previous setback. Such a win would undoubtedly reshuffle the rankings and create new possibilities for unification bouts within the 140-pound category. The division is already packed with talent, and this fight adds another layer of intrigue.
Both fighters recognize the magnitude of this contest, not just for the belt, but for their careers. Smith seeks to build a lasting legacy in front of his home crowd, while Puello aims for redemption and a return to the top.
The tension, already palpable after their verbal joust, promises an unforgettable night of boxing action and a clear direction for the super lightweight landscape in the coming months.
