Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) has announced himself on the world stage, delivering a spectacular stoppage win over Puerto Rican powerhouse Subriel Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) to capture the WBC World Super-Lightweight title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Fight Recap
- Smith started strong, trading with Matias in a fiery opening.
- In Round 5, Smith unleashed a brutal combination capped by three crushing right hands.
- Matias beat the count but was unable to continue — marking the first stoppage loss of his career.
- Smith becomes Britain’s first world champion of 2026.
Quotes
- Dalton Smith: “A lifelong dream, hard work and sacrifice, it’s all for this moment… If you believe in yourself, you can achieve your dreams.”
- Eddie Hearn (Promoter): “That’s the greatest away win I’ve ever witnessed… Dalton Smith is a hero and a new superstar in boxing.”
Context
- Matias entered with a fearsome 95% KO rate and had never been stopped in 26 bouts.
- Smith joins the ranks of British champions guided by Eddie Hearn, alongside Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor.
- The victory cements Smith as one of boxing’s brightest new stars.