Dalton Smith Ordered To Defend WBC Title Against Alberto Puello

That approach slowed Matias and allowed Smith to work in spots until the stoppage arrived. It worked against a pressure fighter who prefers constant exchanges at close range. Puello presents a different type of problem.

The Dominican southpaw works behind movement and distance rather than sustained pressure. Puello rarely stays in one place long enough for opponents to tie him up repeatedly, and that style can disrupt fighters who depend on clinching to slow the pace of a fight. Smith will likely need cleaner positioning and a more consistent offense if the two meet.

Puello reached this position after the WBC guaranteed him the next opportunity once the belt changed hands following his majority decision loss to Matias last July. The result drew debate afterward, and the sanctioning body informed Puello he would challenge the next champion once the title moved to a new holder.

The 30-year-old previously held the WBA junior welterweight title before losing the belt outside the ring in 2023 after a positive test for clomiphene ahead of a planned defense against Rolando Romero. Puello later explained the substance had been prescribed while he and his wife were attempting to start a family. After serving a suspension, he returned to competition and rebuilt his position with several victories, including a win over Gary Antuanne Russell for the interim WBO title.

Negotiations will now move forward between Smith’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and Puello’s representatives connected to Premier Boxing Champions. If the sides fail to reach terms during the negotiation window, the WBC has scheduled a purse bid for April 3 to determine promotional rights for the fight.

Smith showed resilience in beating Matias, but this assignment asks for a different approach against a fighter whose movement could remove the inside control that helped him win the title.