The world of boxing is abuzz with anticipation as a pivotal clash in the super-lightweight division draws near. Unbeaten mandatory challenger Dalton Smith is set to embark on his most significant career test, venturing into enemy territory to challenge the formidable WBC world champion, Subriel Matias. A tentative date for this high-stakes encounter has now emerged, promising a thrilling spectacle later this year.
The Road to Puerto Rico: A Unique Purse Bid
Earlier this month, the boxing community learned that Smith, with a pristine record of 18 wins and 13 knockouts, would travel to Puerto Rico. This destination was solidified after Team Matias, represented by Fresh Productions, emerged victorious in the purse bid for their ordered showdown. Their offer was, shall we say, rather ambitious: a staggering $1,900,000. This comfortably outmaneuvered Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, whose “nonetheless substantial” bid clocked in at $1,710,000. One might even wonder if they simply added an extra zero just for good measure.
In a twist that adds another layer of intrigue, the WBC has deviated from its standard 70-30 champion-challenger split for the winning bid. Instead, the sanctioning body will take a 10% cut, creating a $190,000 bonus specifically for the winner of the fight. It`s a clever incentive, almost as if the WBC is saying, “May the best man win… and take our little extra gift.”
November 29th: The Date to Circle
According to ESPN journalist Salvador Rodriguez, who shared the news on X in the early hours, November 29th is currently being explored as the target date for Matias`s return to the ring in Puerto Rico. This news sends a ripple of excitement through the division, as fans eagerly await official confirmation of what promises to be an explosive encounter.
Dalton Smith: A Journey into the Unknown
For Dalton Smith, a Sheffield native, this fight represents uncharted waters. While he did venture to Italy in 2019, that trip was hardly the grueling expedition typically associated with a “road warrior.” This time, he faces a hostile crowd, a champion renowned for his power, and the immense pressure of a world title shot far from home. His best victory to date came against a faded Jose Zepeda, a respectable win, but this challenge against Matias is on an entirely different plane of existence.
Smith’s undefeated record, standing at a perfect 18-0 with 13 KOs, speaks volumes about his talent and potential. However, every undefeated fighter eventually meets his sternest test. For Smith, that test will undoubtedly come in the form of Subriel Matias.
Subriel Matias: The “Controversial” Champion
Subriel Matias, with a fearsome record of 23 wins, 2 losses, and an astonishing 22 knockouts, is a force to be reckoned with. His career has been a rollercoaster of high-octane performances and moments of undeniable drama. After suffering a loss of his IBF title to Liam Paro in early 2024, Matias quickly regained his destructive form, securing two dominant stoppage victories.
His most recent triumph saw him controversially topple Alberto Puello for the WBC crown in July. While Matias was officially declared a two-time world champion, many observers believed Puello had done enough to secure a majority decision victory. Such is the nature of boxing, however, and Matias stands firm as the current WBC king, ready to defend his reign.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Title
This fight is more than just a championship bout; it`s a narrative of ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of glory. Will Dalton Smith prove that his undefeated record is no fluke by conquering a formidable champion on his home turf? Or will Subriel Matias once again silence his critics and solidify his status as one of boxing`s most feared punchers? As November 29th potentially looms, the boxing world holds its breath, anticipating a super-lightweight war for the ages.
Felix Harwood