Dalton Smith retains WBC title with split-decision win over Puello

Dalton Smith retained his WBC light-welterweight title with a split-decision win over Alberto Puello in Sheffield, extending his unbeaten professional record to 20 victories and keeping open the possibility of a major homecoming fight at Hillsborough Stadium.

Two judges scored Saturday’s contest 115-113 for Smith, while the third had Puello winning 116-112. The close result came after a tactical bout in which both fighters landed sharp counter-punches.

The victory was Smith’s first defence of the title he won by knocking out Subriel Matias in January. He had withdrawn from an earlier scheduled meeting with Puello in June because of an elbow injury.

Smith, 29, is now expected to look towards potential high-profile opponents, including WBO champion Shakur Stevenson and WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell. A fight with British rival Adam Azim has also been discussed; Smith has said he would welcome a bout at Hillsborough in 2027, although he believes Azim needs more time before challenging for his world title.

Smith had been favoured to beat Puello, with boxing figures predicting a win ahead of the fight. The Dominican, a former two-time world champion, had lost only once before, to Matias last year. He was expected to provide a demanding first defence for Smith.