WBC champion says trust with promoter drove new agreement as he prepares next title defense
Dalton Smith says loyalty and trust led him to sign a new long-term deal with Matchroom Boxing. The WBC junior welterweight champion said he plans to stay with the promoter for the rest of his career..
Smith said he has been with Matchroom from the start of his career and always hoped the relationship would last.
“I’ve always stated to them, loyalty is hard to get in boxing,” Smith said to talkSport Boxing. “Matchroom’s always showed that to me. I’ve always showed that to them. I’ve always said I wanted to start my career with them, and I’d love to finish it with Matchroom.”
The unbeaten Sheffield fighter added that the new agreement is about continuing a partnership that has already delivered him a world title and major home events.
Smith also made clear he believes his best years are still ahead, despite already reaching the top level.
“I feel like I’m not fully at my peak yet. I feel like there’s a lot more to come. I believe I’m just getting started.”
Asked about matchmaking, Smith gave a practical answer, saying boxing decisions must make business sense, while insisting he has never ducked opponents.
“Boxing is a business, so you’ve always got to fight someone, and what makes sense. But I’ve always fought who I’ve needed to fight. I’ve never avoided anyone.”
The new contract keeps one of Britain’s leading 140-pound fighters tied to Matchroom as he prepares for the next stage of his title run. Things are going well right now for Dalton.
It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. If Smith starts taking loss after loss against the gauntlet, this is how it likely plays out.
After a first loss, especially to someone like Puello or Gary Antuanne Russell, Matchroom would likely stick by him. He’s a ticket seller in Sheffield, and promoters love a redemption arc. They’d feed him a few confidence builders to see if the engine still runs.
If he gets deconstructed by the likes of Keyshawn Davis or Ernesto Mercado, the loyalty shifts from protecting a star to using a name. He would enter a new phase.