Exclusive:Sheffield's Dalton Smith makes Eddie Hearn admission after penning new Matchroom Boxing deal
Sheffield’s Dalton Smith speaks to The Yorkshire Post after signing a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing
Dalton Smith has penned a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom because he believes Eddie Hearn is the man to take him to boxing’s pinnacle.
When Conor Benn left Hearn and Matchroom for a lucrative deal with Zuffa Boxing in February, loyalty in the sport was placed firmly under the microscope.
Hearn spoke earnestly of his disappointment at losing a fighter he had backed so strongly and very few in the boxing world were hesitant to weigh in.
Sheffield’s WBC light-welterweight champion Smith, however, has made it clear where his bread is buttered.
Dalton Smith commits to Matchroom
The 29-year-old has committed to yet another Matchroom contract, one that ties him in with the promotion for ‘years to come’.
“The pinnacle of boxing is to become undisputed champion,” Smith told The Yorkshire Post. “It's to have all the belts and Eddie's been there many times with fighters.
"He knows it like the back of his hand, so I believe he's the man to take me there.”
Dalton Smith remaining on current course
‘Thunder’ has steered clear of controversy during his ascent to world level, dispatching of 19 opponents while only making headlines for his in-ring ability.
The stages are getting bigger and the lights even brighter, yet Smith is happy to continue pushing forward in the manner he always has.
“Boxing is a business and it's also a sport where loyalty is not put out often,” he said. “I've been with Matchroom from my debut and they've done everything.
“I'd love to finish my career with them. It's always been pretty easy to get deals done with Matchroom. We've had no complaints. I'm at the top in boxing now and I still want to continue it with them.”
Smith is hoping Matchroom can take him all the way to a bout at the home of his beloved Sheffield Wednesday, but he must first overcome Alberto Puello at the Steel City’s Utilita Arena on June 6.
“I always say don't fix it if it's not broken,” said Smith. “We stick to the plan like we always have and the preparation's going very well.”
Praise from Eddie Hearn
Hearn has regularly waxed lyrical about Smith, who he watched claw the world title from Subriel Matias in New York in January.
After tying the Yorkshireman to fresh terms, the Matchroom chief has claimed Smith is en route to the sport’s hall of fame.
“That night in Brooklyn ranks up there for me as one of the greatest away day wins from any British fighter,” saod Hearn. “The celebrations were euphoric and the memories will live forever.
“But this young man is not only the fighting pride of Sheffield, he’s a future hall of famer for British boxing – and I believe there are many more special nights on the horizon for him, starting on June 6 at the Utilita Arena, live on DAZN.
“I’m so pleased that he has signed a long-term deal with us. We can begin to manoeuvre a very exciting future ahead. The road to undisputed begins now.”