Dalton Smith and Alberto Puello make weight ahead of WBC title clash in Sheffield

Dalton Smith and Alberto Puello have weighed in ahead of their WBC super lightweight world title clash at Sheffield's Utilita Arena on Saturday, with the champion preparing to defend his belt in his home city.

Smith received a hero's welcome from the fans as he tipped the scales at 139.6lbs. His mandatory challenger, Puello, registered the same weight, with both fighters coming in under the 140lbs limit.

Smith expressed supreme confidence ahead of his homecoming, insisting he is ready to build on his previous success and continue his pursuit of further achievements in the sport.

“The best fighters bring the best out of me,” Smith said at Thursday's press conference. “That’s why on Saturday night you’re going to get the best version of Dalton Smith.”

However, Puello is determined to reclaim the belt he once held, believing his experience against high-level opposition will prove decisive.

“I am here to get back that title,” Puello said. “I say that I am a level above him because I believe that I have faced a level of opponents who are above him during my career.”

In the co-main event, unbeaten British-Italian prospect Giorgio Visioli weighed in at 134.9lbs as he prepares to defend his WBC International Silver lightweight title against Maxi Hughes, who registered the same weight ahead of Saturday's contest.

Visioli is targeting a statement victory as he continues his progression, insisting a stoppage would be important for his career.

“For me to push on in my career then I think the stoppage is there,” Visioli said at Thursday's press conference. “It's a must do and that is what I am going to do.”

However, Hughes believes his experience will pose a significant test for the unbeaten prospect, having branded himself the “Matchroom exterminator” after referencing previous victories over Kid Galahad and Gary Cully.

“You might as well call me the Matchroom exterminator,” Hughes said, suggesting Matchroom had previously matched him against fighters it wanted to test.

The experienced boxer from Yorkshire, who has suffered consecutive defeats in his most recent outings, added: “I have the experience and I've done it the hard way, most of the time in the away corner.”

Elsewhere on the card, Emma Dolan and Shannon Ryan weighed in ahead of their British and Commonwealth super flyweight title rematch, with both fighters looking to settle unfinished business.

Ryan, the Commonwealth and IBF Intercontinental champion, weighed in at 114.5lbs and is determined to avenge her previous defeat to Dolan as she targets a future world title opportunity.

“I need to right that wrong in order to move on and fight for the World Championship,” Ryan said at Thursday's press conference. “I think what is different to the last fight is that I am very different. I am a different person.”

However, Dolan, who weighed in at 114.9lbs, just 0.1lbs below the 115lbs limit, is confident she can repeat her previous success and make it two victories from two against her opponent.

“I feel really, really good, I've had a great camp and I'm looking forward to making it 2-0,” Dolan said. “I feel like I have improved a lot and I am definitely a better version of myself going into this fight.”

The remaining fighters also made weight ahead of Saturday's card:

Leo Atang (235.2lbs) vs Jonathan Vergara (243.4lbs)
Divine Omojor (198.2lbs) vs Goran Kozul (199lbs)
Ed Hardy (128.6lbs) vs Diego Alberto Ruiz (129.1lbs)
Joe Hayden (146.7lbs) vs Will Harrison (146.7lbs)
Chris Mulunda (161.8lbs) vs Harley Collison (160.7lbs)

With both Smith and Puello successfully making weight, the stage is set for Saturday's WBC super lightweight title clash in Sheffield, where Smith will look to deliver another victory in front of his home crowd.