Dalton Smith snatches WBC light-welterweight belt with victory over Matias

BROOKLYN: Britain's Dalton Smith made a statement on the world boxing stage, capturing the WBC light-welterweight title with a dominant stoppage victory over Subriel Matias here at the Barclays Center on Saturday.

The 28-year-old faced the heavy-handed Puerto Rican in a fifth round that electrified the Brooklyn crowd. 

Smith landed a looping overhand right that sent Matias crashing to the canvas. Despite beating the count, Matias stumbled to his feet, prompting the referee to wave the fight off.

Smith admitted he had not followed the original game plan, instead choosing to fight Matias on his terms. Even after taking heavy shots, he remained confident, believing he could outlast his opponent and secure the win.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve been the underdog and the first time I’ve fought a monster,” Smith said.

“Take nothing away from Subriel, he’s a great champion. I didn’t really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his own game.

“I may have given my dad a bit of a heart attack as that wasn’t the plan, but I took all his best shots and thought, ‘you can’t hurt me’. I knew I’d get to him.”

It is pertinent to mention that Smith, who previously held European, Commonwealth, and British titles, had never fought at the world level, despite winning all of the division's domestic belts.

With this victory, Smith joins heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super-featherweight Jazza Dickens, and featherweight Nick Ball as one of the UK’s five current male world champions.