Britain’s Dalton Smith retained his WBC light-welterweight title with a split decision over Alberto Puello in a tightly contested bout at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena on October 24, 2026.
Dalton Smith extended his unbeaten record to 20-0 by edging Alberto Puello in a 12-round split decision, with two judges scoring the fight 115-113 in favor of the Sheffield fighter and one awarding Puello 116-112, according to reports from multiple outlets.
A Tactical Duel in Sheffield
The contest unfolded as a tactical battle between two fighters. Puello, a former two-time world champion, tested Smith’s resilience with his southpaw style and counter-punching prowess, while Smith relied on his work rate and timing to secure the victory.
Puello’s effort to regain the title came after a week of preparations where both fighters weighed in at 139.6 pounds. The contest reached its scheduled distance without a stoppage. Round 1 saw Puello find sharper early connections, while Smith increased his activity in Round 2, working on timing his right hand. By Round 6, Puello’s activity increased, though Smith landed notable counters. The final three rounds were crucial, with Kieran McCann giving Smith the 10th and 11th rounds before awarding Puello the 12th, according to Source 3.
Smith’s defense marked his first title defence after his stunning fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias in Brooklyn in January. Puello, who had previously lost to Matias in a controversial majority decision in July 2025, entered the ring as the challenger but struggled to maintain consistent pressure against Smith’s disciplined approach.
Judges’ Scores and Controversy
The decision drew mixed reactions, with some observers questioning the scoring. Boxingnews24 described the result as “questionable,” noting that Puello appeared to edge the later rounds. However, Smith’s early dominance and consistent output secured the split decision, according to the official scorecards.
Source 3 provided a detailed breakdown of the scoring: Kieran McCann and Jon Llona awarded Smith 115-113, while Ray Danseco gave Puello 116-112. The judges’ decisions highlighted the fight’s competitiveness, with nine rounds featuring diverging opinions among the panel. At the midpoint, McCann still had the champion leading 58-56, while Llona and Danseco were tied at 57-57, which kept the fight competitive despite Smith’s strong start.
Source 4 noted that Smith’s approach in the 12th round was “puzzling,” as he showedboated before the final bell, despite Puello remaining competitive. The fight’s outcome left the door open for a potential rematch, with Puello asserting, I think I did enough to win.
Smith’s Ambitions and Future Fights
Post-fight, Smith expressed confidence in his title credentials, stating, These are the best in the world and I’m proving why I’m number one.
Smith’s next steps include potential matchups against top contenders like WBO champion Shakur Stevenson and Gary Antuanne Russell. Stevenson, who recently severed ties with Zuffa, could be a prime target, per Source 2.
Puello, who fell to 25-2 with the loss, acknowledged Smith’s skill but suggested the decision was close. Puello and his revered trainer, Ismael Selas, did not protest the decision. The fight’s outcome sets the stage for a potential rematch, with both fighters eager to settle the score.
Legacy and Legacy-Seeking
Smith’s victory establishes him among the leading fighters at light-welterweight. His breakthrough year, which included British, Commonwealth, and European honours, has positioned him as a legitimate pound-for-pound threat. However, the split decision highlights the challenges he faces in securing high-profile bouts.