Coming to Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday 24th October 2026
A blockbuster night of World Championship Boxing is coming to the Sheffield Utilita Arena as local legend Dalton ’Thunder’ Smith returns home on Saturday, October 24.
The ’Steel City King’ defends his WBC Super Lightweight World Championship for the first time as he finally gets set to meet dangerous Dominican southpaw, Alberto Puello.
In one of the greatest wins in modern British boxing history, Smith realised his boyhood dream of becoming a World Champion back in January, leaving the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with a stunning stoppage over Subriel Matias when he ended breathtaking firefight with a ferocious fifth-round knockout.
Two-time World Champion Puello – the man Matias defeated for the gold – now stands in Smith's way as his mandatory challenger.
The pair were originally scheduled to meet in May before an injury setback curtailed the clash.
However, Smith – now fully fit – is raring to deliver a triumphant homecoming performance in front of his legion of fans.
Smith said: "I’m delighted the fight is finally back on and that we’ll be defending my WBC world title on October 24 in Sheffield.
"It was obviously frustrating to pick up the injury when I was in such a good place, especially after all the hard work that had gone into camp. But injuries are part of boxing. The important thing is that I’ve taken the time to recover properly, listened to the medical advice and now I’m back training, feeling strong and ready to go again.
"Becoming World Champion was something I’d dreamed about my whole life, but winning the belt was never the end goal. I want to build a legacy, and that starts with defending the title against the best challengers in the division.
"Puello has been a World Champion before and earned his mandatory position, so I know exactly how tough this fight will be. I’ll be giving him the respect he deserves in training, but once that first bell goes, it’ll be about showing why I’m the WBC World Champion.
"I want to thank everyone for their patience and support over the last few months. The messages meant a lot during my recovery, and I’m looking forward to getting back in front of my home fans. I have Eddie’s word that we sell this arena out in October then Hillsborough will be happening next Summer.
"October 24 can’t come soon enough. I’ll be ready to put on a statement performance in Sheffield."
Fight Card
WBC World Super Lightweight Title
Dalton Smith (W 19 - KO 14 - L0 - D0) vs Alberto Puello (W 25 - KO 11 - L 1 - D 0)
WBC International Silver Lightweight Title
Giorgio Visioli (W 11 - KO 6 - L 0 - D 0) vs Maxi Hughes (W 29 - KO 2 - L 9 - D 2)
British, Commonwealth & IBF Intercontinetal Super Flyweight Titles
Shannon Ryan (W 11 - KO 2 - L 2 - D 0) vs Emma Dolan (W 9 - KO 1 - L 1 - D 0)
Additional Fights
Leo Atang (W 8 - KO 7 - L 0 - D 0) vs TBC
Aqib Fiaz (W 14 - KO 2 - L 2 - D 0) vs Joran Flynn (W 13 - KO 2 - L 2 - D 1)
Joe Hayden (W 24 - KO 4 - L 0 - D 0) vs Will Harrison (W 8 - KO 0 - L 1 - D 2)