Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) won the belt in January with a fifth-round stoppage of Subriel Matias in New York, a result that placed him at the front of the division. The planned homecoming defense was set to anchor his next stage as champion.
There was added attention around that title win after Matias was allowed to proceed despite a failed anti-doping test. Smith handled the fight in the ring and closed it inside five rounds.
The Puello bout would have marked his first defense and a return in front of a Sheffield crowd. That is now pushed back, with no confirmed date for his recovery or rescheduled defense.
Matchroom confirmed the change, with the rest of the card moving forward as planned. Galal Yafai’s fight with Ricardo Sandoval for the WBC and WBA flyweight belts has been elevated to the main event.
The undercard remains intact. Josh Padley faces Aqib Fiaz for the European super featherweight title, Ibraham Nadim meets Ibraheem Suaimann for the English belt, and Leo Atang, Adam Maca, and Aaron Bowen are also set to appear.
The immediate impact is on the WBC schedule at 140. Smith holds the belt, but the mandatory is now delayed until he returns to full fitness. The WBC schedule at 140 now depends on Smith’s recovery timeline.
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