WBC light-welterweight champion Dalton Smith will make the first defense of his world title on 24 October when he faces mandatory challenger Alberto Puello in Sheffield.
The unbeaten British boxer will compete in front of a home crowd for his 20th professional fight, looking to preserve his flawless record after capturing the WBC belt earlier this year.
Smith claimed his maiden world title in January with an emphatic stoppage victory over former champion Subriel Matias in New York, announcing himself as one of Britain’s leading fighters at 140 pounds.
His first title defense was initially scheduled for June but was postponed after the 29-year-old suffered a training injury. Following several months of recovery, Smith says he is fully fit and eager to return to the ring.
The Sheffield native admitted the delay was disappointing given his strong preparation, but said taking the necessary time to recover has left him feeling refreshed and ready for the challenge posed by Dominican contender Puello, a former world champion who enters the bout as the mandatory challenger.
The October event will mark Smith’s first appearance as a reigning world champion in his hometown, where he will look to strengthen his position among the division’s elite.
Elsewhere, Ben Whittaker is set for a crucial bout on 3 October when he faces Australia’s Conor Wallace in Birmingham in an IBF light-heavyweight title eliminator. The winner is expected to move into contention for a shot at the world championship.
Whittaker returns to the UK after an impressive United States debut in June and will aim to take another significant step toward a world title opportunity.
Matchroom Boxing also confirmed that highly rated cruiserweight prospect Pat Brown will challenge English champion John Hedges for the British and Commonwealth titles in Manchester on 19 September.
Brown has enjoyed a perfect start to his professional career, winning all six of his fights by knockout, and now faces his toughest test yet against the reigning domestic champion.