Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello Preview: World Title Homecoming in Sheffield

Sheffield’s Dalton Smith returns home to make the first defence of his WBC super-lightweight title against former champion Alberto Puello, who is looking to regain the belt after losing it in 2025. Big domestic fights are also on the undercard, with Giorgio Visioli facing Maxi Hughes and Shannon Ryan taking on Emma Dolan in a rematch.

The champion has the opportunity to establish himself as a major star this weekend as he fights in his home arena as one of the world’s best. As a professional, Smith has already won a number of titles throughout his journey.

These include the British, Commonwealth and European titles, with his title fights giving him experience against different styles while also allowing him to build a profile in his hometown.

With the backing of Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, the 29-year-old has been awarded opportunities after delivering impressive performances on big events.

Smith enters this bout with a perfect record of 19-0, with 14 knockouts demonstrating his power. His last fight was his biggest statement to date.

Back in January, Smith fought Subriel Matias, who had won the WBC crown by beating Puello in the summer of 2025. Matias was a controversial champion heading into the contest following a positive PED test. The testing issue was subsequently resolved, allowing the fight to take place.

Smith dismantled Matias in five rounds on away soil, earning him plenty of respect from fans around the world. This weekend presents a different challenge, as Puello will test Smith’s patience with his awkward southpaw style.

The challenger this weekend is looking to earn his title back and spoil the Sheffield homecoming for the new champion. The 32-year-old enters the fight with a 25-1 record, with 11 knockouts to his name.

Puello is not the prolific finisher that his opponent is, but rather a tricky southpaw who frustrates his opponents with his movement and technical approach.

In his most notable fights against Gary Antuanne Russell and Sandor Martin, it was his lateral movement which gave him a big advantage over his opposition, winning both fights via split decision.

The winner of this bout will strengthen their position among the leading champions at 140 pounds, with the division potentially entering a period of change as Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis could move up to welterweight.

Sheffield’s own has a traditional boxer-puncher style, with good fundamentals, a nice jab and footwork, but it is his punch power which catches the eye.

Smith is facing a distinctive style this weekend and cannot expect the same firefight that happened in January when facing Matias. The champion will have to cut off the ring and break his opponent down.

For the challenger, he will look to control the fight on the outside, utilising his range to frustrate Smith and make him overthink. Puello is not a traditional defensive fighter, as he throws combinations after his opponents commit.

The lead-foot battle will be crucial in this bout, and Puello can use his southpaw stance to his advantage if he can establish the outside-foot position.

It is an important night in Sheffield, and if the hometown man prevails, he could be the next superstar of boxing in the city, following the likes of Prince Naseem Hamed and Kell Brook.

In the co-main event, 11-0 prospect Visioli steps up a level to take on the experienced Maxi Hughes after winning domestic titles in the super-lightweight division.

Visioli previously won the British title, beating Joe Howarth for the belt last year. After successfully defending the title in June against Levi Giles, the 23-year-old decided to vacate the belt in pursuit of other opportunities.

His opponent, Hughes, has previously competed at world level against former world champion George Kambosos and leading contender William Zepeda.

Despite falling short in those bouts, victories over Gary Cully and Archie Sharp have proven that the now 36-year-old can still beat promising fighters.

A win for either man this weekend will be a statement. For Visioli, it’s a chance to prove he is at that level, while Hughes can prove once again that he still has what it takes.

This weekend, we also see a rematch for the British and Commonwealth super-flyweight titles. Ryan will look to avenge the defeat she suffered in 2024 and win the same belts that were on the line the first time around.

The first contest was a significant setback for Ryan, who suffered her first professional defeat against Dolan. Since then, she has been working towards another opportunity to settle the score.

Combat Evolved recently went behind the scenes with Ryan in our documentary, Shannon Ryan | Boxing, Belief and Becoming, following her preparations for the rematch and exploring her journey from self-doubt and defeat to renewed belief.

For Dolan, it’s another step in the rebuilding process after her defeat to Irma Garcia in an IBF world title fight. The loss will have stung, but at 28 years old, there is still time to achieve her world title ambitions.

The winner of this fight will look to move on towards world honours, while the loser may face a longer road back into title contention.

With Dalton Smith defending his world title on home soil, Giorgio Visioli facing his toughest test to date and Shannon Ryan looking for revenge against Emma Dolan, Sheffield is set for an intriguing night of boxing.

For Smith, victory would be another major step towards establishing himself as one of the leading names in the super-lightweight division.