Dalton Smith Edges Alberto Puello by Split Decision to Retain WBC Title in Sheffield

Dalton Smith kept his unbeaten record and WBC super lightweight championship intact Saturday, edging former two-time world champion Alberto Puello by split decision in a tense 12-round fight at Utilita Arena Sheffield.

Smith improved to 20-0 after two judges scored the fight 115-113 in his favor, while the third judge had Puello winning 116-112. The Sheffield champion was forced to solve Puello’s southpaw movement, jab and counter left hand, but Smith finished strongly enough in the championship rounds to secure his first successful defense. The victory came nine months after Smith captured the WBC belt by stopping Subriel Matias in five rounds in Brooklyn.

The close scorecards may ultimately help Smith more than an easy defense would have. Puello brought championship experience and made Smith adjust over a full 12 rounds, giving the 29-year-old another high-level test as he moves toward bigger fights at 140 pounds. Promoter Eddie Hearn immediately pointed toward unification fights, putting names such as WBO champion Shakur Stevenson and WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell into the conversation for 2027. Smith remains unbeaten, remains champion and now has another significant name on his résumé.