World champion Smith to face Puello in Sheffield

Britain’s WBC light-welterweight champion Dalton Smith will make the first defence of his title in front of his home fans in Sheffield on 6 June.

The unbeaten Smith, 29, will face two-time former world champion Alberto Puello from Dominican at Utilita Arena.

Smith won the world title in his 19th professional fight with a stunning fifth-round stoppage victory over Subriel Matias in Brooklyn in January.

“It’s straight into a mandatory defence, so you expect world-class opponents. There’s no denying Puello is a top boxer – he’s a two-time champion for a reason.

“Puello’s an awkward southpaw, but it’s well known I love that style. It will be a big performance from me in my homecoming.”

Puello, 31, held the WBA title from 2022 to 2023 and the WBC title from 2024 to 2025.