Dalton Smith Beats Alberto Puello by Split Decision to Retain WBC Light-Welterweight Title

Dalton Smith retained his WBC light-welterweight title with a split decision victory over Alberto Puello on Saturday night, October 24, 2026, at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. It was Smith's first defence of the 140 pound title, and the 12 rounds were close enough that the three judges did not agree on the winner.

Kieran McCann of England scored the bout 115-113 for Smith. Jon Llona of Spain also scored it 115-113 for Smith. Ray Danseco of the Philippines scored it 116-112 for Puello. Those two cards for Smith gave him the split decision and kept his unbeaten record intact.

Smith improved to 20-0 as a professional with the win. Puello suffered only his second defeat in 27 fights. Puello is a former WBA and WBC champion, and he came into Sheffield as the mandatory challenger for the title Smith held.

A fight Puello thought he was winning

BoxingScene described the split decision as tinged with controversy. Puello, a Dominican southpaw, used his height, reach and movement effectively during the fight, and the report said he might have thought he was ahead going into the last round. Smith did just enough on two of the three cards to hold on to his belt.

Smith gave full credit to his opponent when he spoke to DAZN after the fight. "We knew what we were coming in for, he's a two-time world champion [and] look at the names he's beat," Smith said, in comments reported by Sky Sports. He added: "These are the best in the world and I'm proving why I'm number one now." Speaking after the fight, he also said: "A champion has to do what he has to do. I'm proving that I'm No. 1 right now."

How Smith won the title

Smith won the title in January 2026 with a fifth round knockout of Subriel Matias at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Matias had taken the belt from Puello by majority decision in New York City in July 2025, so Saturday night closed a circle between the three fighters.

The Sheffield defence had been due four months sooner. Smith had been set to fight mandatory challenger Puello in June 2026, but an injury to Puello resulted in a postponement, and the fight was moved to October 24 in Sheffield.

On the undercard

Giorgio Visioli beat Maxi Hughes by majority decision on the undercard, with scores of 95-95, 96-94 and 96-94. Leo Atang beat Jonathan Vergara by technical knockout at 3:00 of round 1. Shannon Ryan beat Emma Dolan by technical knockout at 0:46 of round 1.

Smith leaves Sheffield still champion at 140 pounds, still unbeaten in 20 fights, and with a first defence completed against the former champion his predecessor had taken the belt from. Puello leaves with a second career defeat and with one judge's card that had him winning the fight by four rounds.