Dalton Smith retains WBC super-lightweight title

British boxer Dalton Smith successfully defended his WBC super-lightweight world title with a split-decision victory over Alberto Puello at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. The contest, which went the full twelve-round distance, saw Smith extend his unbeaten professional record to 20-0.

The judges' scorecards were closely divided: two officials awarded the bout 115-113 in favor of Smith, while the third judge scored it 116-112 for the Dominican challenger, Puello. The fight was characterized as a tactical, high-level affair where Smith utilized distance control and timing to counter Puello’s southpaw movement and volume.

This victory marks Smith’s first title defense since his knockout win over Subriel Matias in January. Following the match, Smith expressed his ambition to headline future events at Hillsborough Stadium and identified American boxer Shakur Stevenson as a potential future opponent.