Dalton Smith retains light welterweight title with victory over Alberto Puello

Dalton Smith defended his WBC light-welterweight world title with a split-decision victory against Alberto Puello in Sheffield on Saturday. BBC News and The Sun both reported that the 29-year-old British fighter earned the win in a homecoming bout at the Utilita Arena. Two judges scored the 12-round contest 115-113 in favour of Smith, while the third judge awarded it 116-112 to Smith. [1][3][8]

BBC News reported that both fighters demonstrated sharp counter-punching skills throughout the tactical contest. With the victory, Smith extended his undefeated professional record. BBC Sport noted that Smith had won all 19 of his previous professional fights before Saturday, including 14 victories by stoppage. [1][2]

Before the match, BBC Sport reported that Smith was making the first defence of the WBC light-welterweight belt. He previously earned the championship by defeating Subriel Matias by knockout in New York in January. Matchroom Boxing promoted the event in England, according to Variety. [2][3]

Alberto Puello Calderón is a 32-year-old Dominican professional boxer. He is a two-time super-lightweight champion who previously held the WBA title from 2022 to 2023 and the WBC title from 2024 to 2025. [2][10]

Following his victory, Yahoo Sports reported that Smith is targeting a future bout against Shakur Stevenson at Hillsborough stadium. [7]