British fighter Dalton Smith delivered a sensational performance in New York, ripping the WBC light-welterweight world title from champion Subriel Matias with a stunning fifth-round knockout.
A Night of Sheffield Steel in Brooklyn
The 28-year-old from Sheffield floored the feared Puerto Rican puncher with a thunderous right hook at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on Sunday night. The title-holder was left wobbling badly, forcing the referee to step in and halt the contest in the fifth round.
Matias, 33, who was defending his belt for the first time, attempted to haul himself back to his feet but the damage from Smith's decisive blow was too severe. The victory was instantly confirmed, sparking wild celebrations in Smith's corner.
Smith Battles Back Against the 'Monster'
After entering the ring to the music of Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys, Smith started the fight strongly. However, the powerful Matias began to edge his way back into the contest, taking control with his trademark pressure.
Smith demonstrated immense heart and skill, matching the champion's intensity. He began planting heavy shots of his own, wrestling back momentum in a thrilling, toe-to-toe battle. By the fifth round, both men were trading major blows, but it was Smith who landed two huge strikes in quick succession, sending Matias crashing to the canvas.
'It's the first time in my career I've been the underdog and the first time I've fought a monster,' a victorious Smith said afterwards. 'Take nothing away from Subriel - he's a great champion. I didn't really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his own game.'
He added: 'I gave my dad a bit of a heart attack in there as that wasn't the gameplan, but I took all his best shots and thought "you can't hurt me". I knew I'd get to him.'
Joining an Elite British Club
This landmark win propels Dalton Smith into an illustrious group of British fighters. By capturing his first world title in the United States, he now sits alongside legends like Bob Fitzsimmons, Nigel Benn, and Kell Brook, who all achieved the same feat.
Furthermore, Smith becomes Britain's fifth current male world title holder, joining heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super-featherweight Jazza Dickens, and featherweight Nick Ball.
Smith, who remains unbeaten, had a message for aspiring athletes: 'This is a message to every kid out there. Do not let anybody tell you you can't achieve your dreams because if you work hard, you can do it.'
The build-up to the fight was not without controversy. Promoter Eddie Hearn had made cryptic comments about 'justice shall be served,' which were widely interpreted as referencing Matias's positive test for the banned substance ostarine in November. The New York State Athletic Commission allowed the bout to proceed after ruling the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions.
Post-fight, Hearn's focus was solely on his fighter's future. 'Smith has announced himself as the light-welterweight superstar,' Hearn declared, hinting at a major homecoming. 'Now, fighting at Hillsborough is a reality.'
