Dalton Smith Pulls Off Stunning Upset to Become WBC Junior Welterweight Champion
Dalton Smith has made history by defeating Subriel Matias to become the new WBC junior welterweight champion. The British fighter’s stunning fifth-round knockout victory at the Barclays Center in New York has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Smith, fighting out of Sheffield, United Kingdom, was considered the underdog going into the fight, but he proved his doubters wrong with a thrilling performance.
Smith’s strategy was called into question early on, as he chose to stay in the pocket and slug it out with the heavy-handed Matias. However, he weathered the storm and waited for the perfect moment to strike. That moment came in the fifth round, when Smith unleashed a pair of right hands that left Matias reeling. The first punch badly rocked Matias, while the second put him down hard. Despite Matias’s efforts to get back to his feet, the referee was forced to stop the fight with under a minute to go in the round.
Smith’s victory was a testament to his skill and determination. “It’s the first time in my career I’ve been the underdog and the first time I went against a monster,” Smith said in a post-fight interview. “I cancelled all the noise. Tonight was my night.” Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was also full of praise for his fighter, saying, “He beat Matias at his own game. Matias had never been down or hurt before and now Dalton Smith has announced himself as the new superstar of the 140-pound division. The future is unbelievable.”
The Road to Victory
Smith’s path to victory was not an easy one. Matias, who had won the WBC junior welterweight title with a majority decision over Alberto Puello in July, was considered one of the hardest punchers in the division. However, Smith was undaunted, using his quickness and agility to evade Matias’s powerful blows. As the fight wore on, Smith began to gain confidence, landing several good shots and starting to take control of the bout.
Despite Matias’s best efforts, Smith refused to back down. He continued to push the pace, landing combination after combination and slowly breaking down his opponent. The fifth round was the decisive one, as Smith’s right hands proved to be too much for Matias to handle. The victory was a culmination of Smith’s hard work and dedication, and he was quick to call out his next opponents. “Bring on the challenges,” Smith said. “I’m one of the best, if not the best in the division. I’m ready to mix it up with everyone.”
The fight was not without controversy, as Matias had tested positive for a banned substance in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test ahead of the fight. However, after an investigation, it was deemed by the WBC in December that he was not guilty of violating the drug policy. The decision was a welcome relief for Smith, who was able to focus on the task at hand and pull off the upset victory.
A New Star in the Making
Dalton Smith’s victory has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, and he is now being touted as one of the rising stars of the sport. With his devastating punching power and quickness, Smith has all the tools to become a dominant force in the junior welterweight division. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, is already looking to the future, saying, “The future is unbelievable. We’re going to make some big fights and make some big money.”
Smith’s next fight is already being anticipated, with several top contenders in the division likely to be lining up to face him. One thing is for sure, however: Dalton Smith is a force to be reckoned with, and he will be looking to defend his title against all comers. With his confidence and skill, Smith is ready to take on the best of the best and prove himself as one of the top fighters in the world.
As the boxing world looks to the future, one thing is certain: Dalton Smith is a name to watch. With his stunning victory over Subriel Matias, Smith has announced himself as a major player in the junior welterweight division, and he will be looking to build on his success in the months and years to come.
