In 19 fights, Dalton Smith has claimed English, British, Commonwealth, European and WBC World titles
Just hours after his stunning world title victory over Subriel Matias at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, British boxer Dalton Smith was found serving pints at an Irish pub in New York.
The light-welterweight from Sheffield poured Guinness and engaged in celebratory chants with supporters who had traveled to the United States to support him.
“There were plenty of pints of Guinness, great celebrations, and a fantastic night with great people,” the 28-year-old shared with BBC Sport.
“I only had four, but it felt like I’d had about 15.”
The following day, Smith stood amidst the bright lights of Times Square as he was presented with the WBC belt, embracing a moment that has redefined his career.
Prior to the fight, Smith was relatively unknown outside of boxing circles. However, by Sunday morning, sports enthusiasts across the UK recognized that the nation had a new world champion, marking the fifth current male titleholder.
“I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet. But, in a way, it’s not a complete shock because it’s something I’ve always worked towards,” Smith stated.
“The way it happened, overseas and with everything against us, I think it made the story that much better.”
BBC Sport examines how Smith overcame the odds to achieve one of the most remarkable British triumphs on American soil.
Subriel Matias suffered his first stoppage in 26 fights
Winning a world title in the United States is a significant challenge. Nearly four decades later, Lloyd Honeyghan’s upset victory over Donald Curry in Atlantic City in September 1986 remains a celebrated achievement.
Smith’s challenge presented numerous obstacles.
With 22 knockouts in 23 wins, Matias, the powerful Puerto Rican, was widely regarded as a formidable opponent in the division.
Additionally, the contest was overshadowed by controversy. Matias tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association out-of-competition test in November, with a subsequent B-sample confirming the result.
The New York State Athletic Commission permitted the bout to proceed, citing that the detected concentration was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions.
“This sport should not condone such things. It’s dangerous enough already,” Smith asserted. “I felt like I needed to get the win for boxing.”
Limited exposure also posed a challenge. Matias’ promoter, Fresh Productions, secured the purse bid with an offer of approximately £1.5m, narrowly outbidding Matchroom’s £1.35m.
Consequently, the fight was not broadcast on Matchroom’s platform, DAZN, in the UK. Instead, it was available via a pay-per-view streaming service for £41.95. In comparison, UK fans paid £24.99 to watch the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
Smith, however, calmly dismisses the lack of exposure. “It’s a shame it wasn’t on a bigger platform, but you play the cards you’re dealt,” he said.
Fight week introduced further complications. A flight cancellation meant Smith arrived in New York separately from his team, incurring personal expenses for travel.
Fresh Productions provided a fighter hotel, but Smith, wary of “mind games,” chose to relocate at his own cost.
Grant Smith joined his son in New York’s Time Square to celebrate the win on Sunday
With the odds stacked against him, Smith’s self-belief proved decisive.
“I thought, they can try to deter us as much as they want, but I’m going to smile through it because I know on Saturday night my hand will be raised and I’ll become a world champion,” he said.
The manner of victory surprised even seasoned boxing observers. Instead of a cautious approach, Smith met fire with fire, engaging toe-to-toe with one of the division’s most feared punchers.
Smith absorbed heavy blows but remained steadfast. His father and trainer, Grant Smith, provided constant support in his corner.
Grant has always kept the focus on his fighter – until the emotion of the moment overwhelmed him. Taking the microphone in the ring, he listed his son’s achievements.
“An ABA schoolboy title, a British schoolboy title, an ABA junior title, a British junior title, a GB youth title, a senior ABA title, English, British outright in 12 months, European, Commonwealth and now WBC world champion, baby. That’s never been done in the history of England boxing,” Grant declared, his voice filled with pride.
The new world champion’s resilience is evident.
Nearly two decades ago, Grant survived being struck by a 56-tonne tram while running. Temporarily blind and deaf, he underwent brain surgery and was given only days to live. Within weeks, he discharged himself from the hospital and returned to the gym.
“My dad’s had his own battles. He had his accident, and that’s why we’ve both got the tattoo on our chest – ‘never give up on life’,” Dalton explained.
“That comes from him getting through his own adversity, and I feel like he’s ingrained that in us.”
Smith’s WBC mandatory challenger and likely next opponent is Alberto Puello, the Dominican Republic fighter who lost the title to Matias last summer.
He also mentioned being close to headlining Hillsborough Stadium, home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday. However, filling a football stadium often requires the right opponent.
One such opponent is long-time rival Adam Azim. The pair were scheduled to fight in 2023 before Azim’s promoters, Boxxer, withdrew from purse bids.
Londoner Azim, who faces Gustavo Lemos on 31 January, told BBC Sport that he is targeting IBF champion Richardson Hitchins later this year, with a potential unification bout against Smith towards the end of 2026.
“It’s up to Adam to earn his stripes now. He’s got all my support. I want him to win a world title and set the big fight up,” Smith said.
There is also a growing desire to return to America. WBO champion Teofimo Lopez is set to defend his belt against Shakur Stevenson, and Smith would welcome another transatlantic trip to face the winner.
“It’s a big fight, and I’ve earned my right to be in the biggest fights now. Bring it all on,” he declared.
For now, Smith is enjoying the moment – although there is still some unfinished business. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has promised to reward the champion with a Rolex.
“We’ve got a handshake, we’ve got a deal,” Smith said. “I’m still waiting on that. I’m hoping it’s a good one.”
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