Dalton Smith Ordered To Defend WBC Title Vs Alberto Puello

That approach slowed down Matias and allowed Smith to work the spots until the stoppage. It works against a pressure fighter who prefers frequent exchanges at close range. Puello presents a different kind of problem.

The Dominican southpaw works after movement and distance instead of constant pressure. Puello rarely stays in one position long enough for opponents to repeatedly pin him down, and that style can frustrate fighters who rely on grappling to slow the pace of the fight. Smith will likely need a clean slate and consistent offense if the two meet.

Puello rose to this position after the WBC gave him the next opportunity when the belt changes hands following his majority decision loss to Matias last July. The result drew controversy afterwards, and the sanctioning body informed Puello that he would challenge for the next champion once the title was transferred to a new owner.

The 30-year-old previously held the WBA junior welterweight title before losing the belt outside the ring in 2023 after testing positive for clomiphene before defending against Rolando Romero. Puello later explained that the drug had been prescribed while he and his wife were trying to start a family. After the suspension, he returned to competition and rebuilt his position with several victories, including defeating Gary Antoine Russell for the interim WBO title.

Negotiations are now set to move forward between Smith’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and Puello’s representatives linked to the Premier Boxing champion. If the parties fail to reach an agreement during the negotiations, the WBC has scheduled the WBC to file an appeal on April 3 to determine the promotion rights for the fight.

Smith has shown solidity in beating Matias, but this assignment calls for a different approach against a fighter whose movement can take away the inner control that helped him win the title.