Dalton Smith successfully defended his WBC light-welterweight world title with a hard-fought split-decision victory over Alberto Puello at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. The 29-year-old Briton extended his perfect professional record to 20 wins in a high-caliber tactical contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final bell. Both fighters displayed elite counter-punching skills, engaging in a strategic battle where precision and timing outweighed raw power.
Sheffield star survives tactical war to extend unbeaten record to 20-0
The outcome remained uncertain as the judges’ scorecards were read, with the result hanging in the balance between a win for either man or a draw. Ultimately, Smith secured the retention with two judges scoring the bout 115-113 in his favor, while the third judge awarded the fight 116-112 to the Dominican challenger. This narrow margin underscores the competitive nature of the match, as Smith passed a stern test against a two-time world champion who posed a significant threat throughout the twelve rounds.
This victory marks Smith’s first title defense since his stunning fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias in Brooklyn last January. By overcoming Puello, the Sheffield fighter has cemented his status as a dominant force in the division, proving his ability to handle elite opposition on his home turf. With his unbeaten streak intact, Smith now looks to consolidate his position atop the light-welterweight rankings, having navigated another rigorous challenge with composure and tactical discipline.
Source: BBC Sport
