Dalton Smith, the undefeated light-welterweight sensation from Sheffield, is preparing to take a major step in his career by challenging WBC world champion Subriel Matias at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday. At just 28, Smith hopes to follow in the footsteps of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton, who captivated audiences in the United States and inspired a generation of fighters.

“I got into boxing at six years old and the dream is to become a world champion with travelling supporters,” Smith said during Thursday’s news conference. “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.”

Hatton, who passed away at the age of 46 in September, remains one of the most successful British fighters to have made an impact in the United States, filling arenas in Las Vegas and building a loyal fanbase. Smith now seeks to carve his own path across the Atlantic, aiming to emulate Hatton’s popularity and success.

Dalton Smith’s Career So Far

Smith boasts a perfect professional record of 18 wins from 18 fights, with a mix of knockouts and tactical victories. While he has dominated the domestic scene, this upcoming fight represents his toughest challenge yet. Subriel Matias, a formidable Puerto Rican boxer, has 22 stoppages in 23 victories and only two defeats, making him a dangerous opponent for Smith.

“I’m not here to make up the numbers,” Smith said. “I’m here to achieve a childhood dream and to win the best belt in boxing.”

Controversy Surrounding the Fight

The bout has attracted attention not only for its high stakes but also due to Matias’ recent doping controversy. Matias tested positive for Ostarine, a banned muscle-growth agent, in an out-of-competition test on 9 November conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). A B-sample confirmed the result. However, the New York State Athletic Commission cleared Matias to compete, citing that the detected concentration was below thresholds typically used in major boxing jurisdictions.

The WBC investigated the case and concluded that the low levels were consistent with accidental ingestion through contaminated supplements. Matias was placed on a 12-month probation but remains eligible to defend his title.

Tensions briefly flared during the news conference when Matias addressed Smith’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, saying:

“If you were a fighter, your face would be smashed.”

Hearn calmly replied: “Thank God I’m not a fighter. But, as I said, justice shall be served,” redirecting focus back to Smith.

A Chance to Make British Boxing History

Victory on Saturday would make Dalton Smith the United Kingdom’s fifth reigning male world champion, joining Fabio Wardley (heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (welterweight), Jazza Dickens (super-featherweight), and Nick Ball (featherweight). Winning a title in the United States would also give Smith a boost in international prestige, similar to other British fighters who captured world titles on American soil, such as Lloyd Honeyghan, Alan Minter, Nigel Benn, and Kell Brook.

“It would have been nice to have done this in Sheffield, but it’s going to be even sweeter when Dalton smashes him in New York on Saturday night,” Hearn said.

Smith’s journey represents both personal ambition and national pride, as he hopes to follow Hatton’s example and become a household name among boxing fans worldwide.