Image source, Getty Images

Well, that was entertaining!

It was not a bloodbath, slug fest or a fight full of knockdowns.

However, it was a brilliant bout between two high-level boxers competing at the top level.

There was not much between them as challenger Alberto Puello pushed Dalton Smith all the way.

But it is the British fighter who remained unbeaten and retained his WBC light-welterweight title on a split decision after this fantastic fight in Sheffield.

Thanks for joining us. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Image source, Getty Images

If you missed all the action... where were you?

Fear not, you can read Kal Sajad's ringside report from Sheffield to catch up on how Dalton Smith retained the WBC light-welterweight title here.

More from boxing promoter Eddie Hearn on DAZN: “The principle aim for Dalton Smith is to prove himself as the best fighter on the planet at 140lbs. He’s number one in the Ring Magazine, he’s done WBC world champion, next must be unification, and next, to our friend sitting down here, and the owners of Sheffield Wednesday, it must be Hillsborough!"

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, speaking to DAZN: "It was such a high level fight and that was a close fight. I thought 116-112 for Puello was wild to be honest with you, I had it at 115-113 to Dalton, but when you have got it that close. It can go either way so.

"I want to make one thing clear Dalton Smith in 2026 has basically beaten two of the very best in the division. One in New York away from home and one here.

"Matias was the boogeyman of the division. Dalton Smith went to New York and knocked him out.

"Alberto Puello is number three in the Ring Magazine [ratings], he’s a two-time world champion, he’s beaten Gary [Antuanne] Russell. Absolutely no one wants to fight Alberto Puello because he’s a brilliant fighter. Tonight, for me, Dalton Smith cemented himself as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in Britain.

"Dalton Smith is a legacy guy. I know that money plays a big part in boxing, and we want to make sure that this guy lives a wonderful life. But first and foremost this guy is a real fighter, who wants belts, legacy, and to make his city proud. That’s the most important thing to Dalton Smith."

That is 20 fights and 20 wins for Dalton Smith.

The 29-year-old is having a superb 2026 in winning the WBC light-welterweight title and the retaining it in a mandatory defence.

It feels like his career is in a great place.

It was interesting that in the ring there after the fight there was no mention of British rival Adam Azim.

Azim has been out of the ring since May when he beat Steve Claggett in what has been his only fight since 2026.

Dalton Smith and Azim appeared to be on a collision course for a domestic showdown but talk of that has gone quiet due to the latter's inactivity.

Saying that the DAZN team have been debating it and former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew wants to see Azim win the vacant IBF title first before they face each other in a unification.

Some more words from Dalton Smith to DAZN...

On how mentally challenging the fight was: “Look did you ever think I was going to vacate this belt to go a different route? Not a chance. I know how hard I have worked for this, and I wanted to bring it back home for every single person here.”

On the atmosphere: “Unbelievable. When I did my ring walk, I had that dream so many times and it gives me goose-pimples now. Honestly from the bottle of my heart, I can’t thank everybody enough for coming out tonight."

On who’s next: “Number one goal in my life was to become world champion and make history, the second was to sell out Hillsborough stadium. I had that carrot dangled out in front of me for so long, I had to block out the noise, stay professional, it was hard, and keep my eyes on the ball tonight."

Image source, Getty Images

WBC champion Dalton Smith speaking to DAZN after retaining his title: “We knew what we were coming in for, he’s a two-time world champion [and] look at the names he’s beat. We knew it wasn’t going to be a show, he was going to be an awkward opponent, but a champion has to do what he has to do. These are the best in the world and I’m proving why I’m number one now.”

On what won him the fight: “I got his rhythm early on. I think he respected my power, but look, he’s experienced. He’s a lot more experienced than me, and that’s what I’m gaining now. I switched off a little bit in the early rounds, but I did what a true champion did and win the last couple, so I’m very proud.”

Well... that is Subriel Matias and Alberto Puello behind Dalton Smith now.

There was a lot of talk about WBO light-welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson in the ring afterwards.

There are some big fights in the 10st division among the other champions.

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Dalton Smith is a diehard Sheffield Wednesday fan when it comes to football.

It has long been a dream of his to fight at their home stadium - Hillsborough.

Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn has again called for a fight there and wants to keep talks going.

Both men come out of that fight with huge credit.

Dalton Smith took on the mandatory challenger who was a two-time champion with huge experience and he had to dig very deep to get over the line.

The Sheffield fighter has now beaten two of the top fighters at light-welterweight and retains the WBC title.

Alberto Puello came to enemy territory and put in a brilliant performance. He can certainly come again.

It was so close neither man could have really argued whichever way the decision went.

That is what top-level boxing is all about.

England's Kieran McCann and Spain's Jon Llona both scored it 115-113 to Dalton Smith. Filipino judge Ray Danseco had it 116-112 to Puello.

Close!

Dalton Smith retains the WBC light-welterweight title after razor-tight fight with Alberto Puello.

But the Sheffield man remains the hometown hero with a split decision victory.

This is taking a while which usually means it is very close!

Richie Woodhall
Former boxing world champion on BBC Radio 5 Live

Dalton Smith's camp clearly feel that they have won the fight. He was on his dad's shoulder's right as the bell went. They clearly think they have won the contest.

I think it's very close.