'I'm one of the best': Dalton Smith wins world title in New York to join illustrious British boxing company

The likeable 28-year-old from Sheffield joined illustrious British boxing company such as Alan Minter, Lloyd Honeyghan, Nigel Benn and Kell Brook in winning his first world title Stateside.

And he did so in thrilling fashion, knocking out controversial Puerto Rican opponent Subriel Matias in the fifth round in Brooklyn to extend his record to 19-0 and claim the WBC light-welterweight strap.

It was a thumping right hook that sent Matias to the canvas in the fifth round and despite wobbling to his feet, the referee called a halt to proceedings to spark disbelief and jubilation in the travelling Smith camp.

“It's the first time in my career I've been the underdog and the first time I've fought a monster,” said Smith.

“Take nothing away from Subriel - he's a great champion.”

The opening rounds at the Barclays Centre were tight affairs, Smith landing some good shots while Matias looked dangerous inside.

The two fighters had to be broken up from holding several times in the fourth round, Smith landing a couple of big late shots.

They traded blows during the fifth round before Smith connected with a right hook early in the final minute which had Matias wobbling.

A second blow put him to the floor and the Puerto Rican’s attempts to regain his feet were waved off by the referee.

“I didn't really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his own game,” continued Smith.

“I gave my dad a bit of a heart attack in there as that wasn't the gameplan, but I took all his best shots and thought 'you can't hurt me'. I knew I'd get to him.”

It was Smith’s first venture Stateside after he had steadily built his reputation closer to home, headlining shows at the Canon Medical Arena and the bigger Utilita Arena Sheffield down the road in Attercliffe.

But a huge Sheffield Wednesday fan, he has long harboured dreams of fighting at Hillsborough and he can now look ahead to a big pay day and homecoming fight at his beloved football ground.

“Show me the money,” roared Smith in the ring. “Let me enjoy this moment now - I'm going to embrace it. The future is bright.

“Bring on the challengers. I'm one of the best, if not the best in the division. I'm ready to mix it up with everyone.”

Matchroom boss Hearn, never one to play down a moment, embraced the opportunity to trump up his man.

“Smith has announced himself as the light-welterweight superstar,” proclaimed Hearn.

“Now, fighting at Hillsborough is a reality.”

Smith will have a keen eye on the outcome of the fight between WBO and Ring Magazine titleholder Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson on January 31. Gary Russell holds the WBA belt and Richardson Hitchins the IBF version. All those opponents are possibilities now.

But he had to overcome Matias first and can take enormous pride in how he did so.

It was not a fight without controversy, however, particularly in the build-up.

Promoter Hearn had stirred the pot pre-fight by declaring “justice shall be served”, which many interpreted as a reference to Matias' adverse drug-test findings.

The fighter who had lost just one of his previous 23 fights, tested positive for banned substance ostarine in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association out-of-competition test in November, with the B-sample also returning an adverse finding.

The New York State Athletic Commission ruled the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions, allowing the bout to proceed.

But Smith had to stay focused on his own preparations and had spoken in the build-up of how he would not let it distract him.

Late last year he was a mourner at the funeral of one of the great British boxers, Ricky Hatton, a ferocious warrior who had a big following at home and in the States.

For Smith (nicknamed ‘Thunder’), the late Hatton is a particular source of inspiration. “I got into boxing at six years old,” he said. “The dream is to become a world champion with travelling supporters. I looked up to one of the greatest of all time – God rest his soul – the legend, the 'Hitman' Ricky Hatton. What he did, the nights he had… he inspired us.”

Smith can now look to build something similar after his eye-catching demolition of Matias to win the world title.

“This is a message to every kid out there. Do not let anybody tell you can't achieve your dreams because if you work hard, you can do it,” beamed Smith.

He joins Smith joins Fabio Wardley (heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (welterweight), Jazza Dickens (super-featherweight) and Nick Ball (featherweight) as current British world champions.