Dalton Smith went into the lion’s den, fought fire with fire and snatched the WBC Super Lightweight World title to add himself to the list of great Brits who have won top honours on away soil.
Many had predicted that Sheffield’s Smith must box clever against the relentless champion Subriel Matias, who had been involved in a PED controversy pre-fight but was cleared to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission. Some in the sport — Hall of Famer Tim Bradley included — gave the challenger no chance whatsoever.
After a measured opener at Brooklyn’s Barclay Center, Matias began to impose his will. Smith, trained by his father, Grant, took the decision to trade up and paid the price with a cut opening over his eye in the third. It looked to be going the Puerto Rican’s way until he was caught at the end of the fourth.
The Steel City man entered a slugfest in the fifth and his courage to do so paid off — Matias was rocked by two right hands and knocked down by the next shot on his temple. He was on wobbly legs when up, and referee Ricky Gonzalez stepped in to stop the action to mark a truly sensational win for the new champion, Smith.
Post-fight, the performance drew widespread praise from his peers, analysts and fans.
Devin Haney
Cheaters never win.. congrats Dalton! 👏🏽
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) January 11, 2026
Richardson Hitchins
That was a early stoppage tho i ain’t even gone lie lmaooo
— Richardson Hitchins (@HeIsRichardson) January 11, 2026
Paul Smith
Dalton Smith fucking brilliant 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 congratulations world champion @daltonsmith08
— Paul Smith (@PaulSmithJnr) January 11, 2026
Lamont Roach Jr
Dalton smith was throwing that heavy shit 😂
— Lamont Roach Jr (@OneOf1x) January 11, 2026
George Kambosos
Wow cracking fight and win, there’s nothing better than winning a world title in New York as an international away fighter. Love it 👏🇬🇧 what a shot, congrats @daltonsmith08
— George “Ferocious” Kambosos Jr (@georgekambosos) January 11, 2026
Teddy Atlas
U have to fight like a Champion & when the Devil knocks at the door u have to behave like one. Congrats to new Champ D. Smith & Matias. Wow. 🔥👑🥊 #matiasvsSmith#boxing#ThefightwithTeddyAtlaspic.twitter.com/MVSbd6b69a
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) January 11, 2026
Jamel Herring
Dolton Smith a bad man. He can box, and has grit. Bested Matias at his own game. #Boxing
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) January 11, 2026
Lyndon Arthur
Dalton smith is a fuckin maniac
— King👑Lyndon Arthur (@LyndonArthur) January 11, 2026
