Tragedy Strikes: Dalton Smith Out of Title Fight Due to Injury

Dalton Smith's anticipated WBC super-lightweight title defense and Sheffield homecoming bout against Alberto Puello has been called off due to an injury sustained by Smith during his training camp. Matchroom Boxing confirmed Smith's withdrawal, meaning he will have to postpone his first defense of the title he impressively won against Subriel Matias in New York.

With Smith out of the event, the card, originally scheduled for June 6 in his home city of Sheffield, will now be headlined by a compelling flyweight unification bout. This high-stakes encounter will feature Galal Yafai taking on Ricardo Sandoval, a fight that has been elevated from its initial spot on the undercard to serve as the main event.

Neither Matchroom Boxing nor Smith himself have released specific details regarding the nature of the injury that forced his withdrawal. Despite the change at the top, the event at the Utilita Arena will still feature a strong supporting lineup. Josh Padley is set to defend his Junior European title against fellow British boxer Aqib Fiaz, while young heavyweight Leo Atang will also appear before the Yorkshire home crowd. Additionally, Ibraheem Sulaimaan is scheduled to face Ibrahim Nadim for the British Junior Lightweight belt, promising a night of competitive boxing despite the absence of Smith's headline act.