Dalton Smith Ends Subriel Matias’ Reign with Precision and Power

Dalton Smith secured a fifth-round TKO victory over Subriel Matias to claim the WBC super lightweight title in Brooklyn, New York. The win came as a result of Smith’s persistent pressure and precise punches, shaking up the division.

In the opening rounds, Smith dictated the pace of the fight. He showcased a solid jab and landed clean right hands that seemed to push Matias back. Despite Matias’s usual aggressive style, he struggled to land clean shots early. Smith’s ability to control the distance kept Matias from finding any rhythm.

By the second round, Smith’s confidence grew. He continued to land solid punches, including a strong right hand and a sharp uppercut. Smith seemed to move away from merely boxing, choosing instead to trade shots with Matias. Though his brawling style carried some risks, it did not stop him from taking control of the fight.

Mid-Fight: Matias Attempts to Regain Ground

As the fight continued, Matias began to show signs of life, especially in the fourth round, where he landed a few solid counters. A combination of uppercuts and hooks briefly put Smith on the back foot, but the Brit remained unshaken. Despite Matias’s efforts to fight back, Smith kept the pressure on, landing a series of left hooks and shots that seemed to have Matias reeling.

 Smith’s sharp combination  in the fifth round sent Matias to the canvas. Although Matias managed to get back up, he was clearly unsteady, prompting the referee to stop the fight, declaring Smith the winner by technical knockout.

Smith’s Career Milestone

This victory marks a major step in Dalton Smith’s career. The 26-year-old now holds the WBC super lightweight title, maintaining his undefeated record at 19-0. Previously, Smith held British, Commonwealth, and European titles, but this win elevates his standing in the division.

For Matias, the loss is a significant setback. Despite winning the WBC title in July against Alberto Puello, the Puerto Rican champion was unable to retain his belt, bringing his record to 23-3, with 22 knockouts. Matias remains a tough competitor but will need to regroup after this defeat.

Looking Ahead for Smith

Following this victory, Smith is firmly positioned as one of the top contenders in the super lightweight division. While no future opponents have been confirmed, his undefeated record and impressive performance against a respected champion like Matias suggest that Smith’s next steps in the division will be closely watched.

Eddie Hearn: “What Dalton  did tonight was incredible, because he beat Matias at his own game. Dalton Smith just announced himself as the new superstar in the 140lbs division. … That was unbelievable to watch: blood, guts and balls of steel.”

“We knew Dalton was a star, but to do that on the World stage in New York and in that style. People were talking about this fight and that fight, Adam Azim and the like, Dalton Smith has gone out and accepted the boogeyman, met him head on in New York and stopped Subriel Matias to become the World champion – put some respect on his name.”

Undercard

Emmanuel Rodriguez controlled the fight throughout and took a wide unanimous decision over Fernando Diaz at bantamweight, with scores of 97-92, 99-90, and 99-90.

Jeyvier Cintron made a brief night of it, stopping Víctor Sandoval by first-round knockout in a bantamweight bout.

Nestor Bravo ended matters in the second round against Pedro Campa in their junior welterweight fight.

Keith Colon wore down Alberto Guevara before scoring a seventh-round stoppage at featherweight.

Arjan Iseni forced a corner stoppage of Mario Bedolla Orozco in the third round of their light heavyweight contest.