Hillsborough homecoming: When could Dalton Smith book major Sheffield bout?

The Sheffield fighter captured the WBC title in New York City back in January with a fifth-round TKO triumph against Subriel Matías to seal the deal.

Now, he is plotting his maiden defence, with mandatory challenger Alberto Puello tipped to be his next opponent - and he wants to do so in style.

Smith has long held a dream to mount a major bout at the home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, further confirming his local superstar status.

So just when might 'Thunder' turn his ambitions into reality? DAZN News explores the likely path to a major open-air blockbuster in South Yorkshire.

When could Smith fight at Hillsborough?

As it stands, Smith is hoping to make his first defence in June - and with it, take his opponent onto the hallowed S6 turf in pursuit of further greatness.

"We're looking towards June time for a big homecoming in Sheffield," he previously told Sky Sports News. "That would be the cherry on top of the cake.

"A big fight at Hillsborough, that would be a dream come true. The ball's rolling in the right direction to get a big fight there. But one fight at a time."

Would Smith fight Puello at Hillsborough?

Of course, just because Smith wants to take a stadium bout at his beloved football club does not mean that his mandatory challenger is the right foe.

Puello is no small fry, having been a two-time super-lightweight champion himself as recently as last year - but he does lack some star wattage too.

Smith may ultimately decide to book the Utilita Arena in Sheffield for this first defence and chase a bigger name down the line for Hillsborough instead.

A potential unification bout with WBO champion Shakur Stevenson would be the obvious big-name opponent, though there are plenty of other foes.

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPVs included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including Chisora vs. Wilder (April 4), and Wardley vs. Dubois (May 9), on top of another 185 fight nights and Serie A football. 

Sign up for £22.99 / $44.99 per month. More details here.