Boxing
Smith eyes 'the next level' after penning new Matchroom contract
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Dalton Smith has backed Matchroom Boxing to take him to "the next level" after penning a long-term contract extension with the promotion.
The Sheffield fighter claimed the WBC super-lightweight crown with a fifth-round stoppage against Subriel MatÃas in New York in January.
Smith is next due to make his first defence against mandatory challenger Alberto Puello in a hometown show on June 6, live on DAZN.
Now, he has reaffirmed his commitment to Matchroom, crediting Eddie Hearn and Frank Smith as he eyes a major Hillsborough homecoming.
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"Matchroom Boxing backed me from day one," he stated. "They allowed me to build at the right pace, to collect titles, to become a regular headliner.
"There’s a lot of talk about loyalty, but my head hasn’t been turned. I’m delighted to commit to this winning team as we chase more success together.
“With Frank, Eddie and the wider Matchroom team, my advisor Sean O’Toole, and my whole training team led by my dad, we’ve got something special.
"This is the team that will take me to that next level. I will show everyone that I am the best 140lbs boxer in the world by collecting every belt in the division."
Smith latest to ink fresh Matchroom terms
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
With a major strap secured under Eddie Hearn's watch, it would have taken something remarkable for Dalton Smith to walk away from Matchroom.
Now, hot on the heels of Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez and Skye Nicolson, the Sheffield man's renewed terms commits his long-term future to them for good.
Having been burned by Conor Benn and his defection to Zuffa earlier this year, Hearn will be delighted to get one of his champions tied down.
Smith meanwhile will be determined to ensure his reign is not cut short when he squares off with Alberto Puello at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in June.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
