In a stunning upset at Barclays Center in New York, British fighter Dalton Smith became the new WBC junior welterweight champion, defeating the heavy-handed Subriel Matias via a fifth-round knockout. Smith, who entered the fight with an undefeated record of 19-0 (14 KOs), appeared to deviate from a cautious strategy, engaging in a toe-to-toe battle with Matias from Sheffield, United Kingdom.

Initially, Smith attempted to maintain distance and box, but by Round 3, he was drawn into close-quarters action. This seemed to play into Matias's strengths, as the Puerto Rican fighter (23-3, 22 KOs) aggressively marched forward, applying pressure with his powerful hands and high punch output. Matias rocked Smith with uppercuts and combination punches, but Smith exhibited remarkable resilience, refusing to back down and responding with his own combinations.

The pivotal moment arrived in the fifth round. Just as it seemed Matias was wearing him down, Smith unleashed a powerful right hand that caught Matias on the chin, badly rocking him. Despite Matias's bravado, waving Smith in for more, Smith capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a second devastating right hand that sent Matias to the canvas. Matias, who had never been knocked out before, struggled to his feet but was clearly hurt, prompting the referee to stop the fight with under a minute remaining in the round.

Reflecting on his victory, Smith stated, "It's the first time in my career I've been the underdog and the first time I went against a monster. I cancelled all the noise. Tonight was my night." This victory marked Smith's stateside debut and came after a pre-fight controversy where Matias tested positive for a banned substance in November. However, a WBC investigation in December cleared Matias of any drug policy violation, allowing the fight to proceed, much to Smith's eventual benefit.

Eddie Hearn, Smith's promoter, lauded the performance, remarking, "He beat Matias at his own game. Matias had never been down or hurt before and now Dalton Smith has announced himself as the new superstar of the 140-pound division. The future is unbelievable." Matias had previously secured the WBC junior welterweight title with a majority decision over Alberto Puello in July and was considered a formidable force. However, Smith’s decisive win in Brooklyn has not only earned him the world title but also established him as a dominant new presence ready to face all challengers in the division, boldly declaring, "I'm one of the best, if not the best in the division. I'm ready to mix it up with everyone."