Image source, Matchroom Boxing PhotosImage caption, Dalton Smith (left) will defend his title against WBC mandatory challenger Alberto Puello
ByKal SajadBBC Sport boxing journalist- Published45 minutes ago
Dalton Smith described the prospect of defending his WBC light-welterweight title at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium next year as the "cherry on the cake".
Smith must first get past two-time former world champion Alberto Puello at Sheffield's Utilita Arena on 24 October.
The unbeaten 29-year-old returns home for the first defence of the title he sensationally won in January, stopping Subriel Matias in New York.
"You don't overlook anything. One fight at a time," Smith said at a news conference in his home town.
"Once that hand is raised on 24 October we'll see what's next. But everybody knows Hillsborough is the cherry on the top for me."
The bout was originally scheduled for June but had to be postponed when Smith suffered an injury in training.
Smith has won all 19 of his professional fights, 14 inside the distance, and says the chance to make his first defence in front of his home crowd has added an extra edge.
He refused to get carried away with the prospect of walking out at Hillsborough, but Matchroom chief executive Frank Smith believes the dream could soon become reality.
"He's not looking past this. It's a proper fight," he said. "But after this unification fights are there and the big night in Hillsborough is there."
Puello, 32, held the WBA title from 2022 to 2023 before becoming WBC champion in 2024. He lost that belt to Matias in July 2025, the only defeat on his 26-fight professional record.
"He wants to do to me what I did to Matias but believe me, that's not going to happen," Smith said. "Me fighting in my home town with the support behind me as a world champion, it gives me that extra fire."
Speaking through a translator, the confident Dominican made it clear he intends to spoil Smith's homecoming.
"I don't see many weaknesses in him but it will be hugely satisfying to come here to his hometown to rip his belt," he said.
"It will be really satisfying for me and a humiliation for him."
An otherwise low-key media-only event ended with the two fighters shaking hands.
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