Dalton Smith Mandated To Face Alberto Puello

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 3:51 AM ET

The WBC formally ordered a mandatory title defense between junior welterweight champion Dalton Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) and Alberto Puello (24-1, 10 KOs).

The order means that the two parties have 30 days to reach an agreement before purse bids are called. Smith defied expectations by dropping Matias with a right hook, securing a stunning fifth-round technical knockout. Puello is no stranger to the WBC green-and-gold belt, having previously held the title before. Puello lost the championship to Subriel Matias last July via a controversial majority decision. Despite out-landing Matias in several metrics, the judges favored the Puerto Rican’s aggression. Following that loss, the WBC guaranteed Puello a shot at the winner of the Smith-Matias fight.

“Serve this letter as the beginning of the free negotiations period for the mandatory fight between WBC champion Dalton Smith and mandatory challenger Alberto Puello. If no agreement is reached between parties, the WBC will conduct a purse offer pursuant to the WBC Rules and Regulations on Friday, April 3, 2026,” Mauricio Sulaiman (WBC President)

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The Approach

Smith’s primary goal will be to neutralize Puello’s southpaw advantage by keeping his lead foot on the outside. By doing so, he can create the angle for his straight right hand and the check hook that. Smith knows Puello likes to reset and move, so Smith will use a stiff jab to the chest to freeze Puello in place before unleashing explosive bursts. Watch for Smith to bait Puello into throwing a lazy lead hook, only to duck underneath and fire a short, compact right hook—the same punch that changed the trajectory of his career against Matias.

Puello will focus on a high-volume jab and constant pivots. He will try to make Smith “reset” his feet as often as possible. By keeping the fight at mid-range and using his length, Puello hopes to frustrate Smith into making a mistake. Expect Puello to utilize his superior footwork to circle toward Smith’s power hand, taking the steam off Smith’s right cross. He’ll likely target Smith’s body with straight lefts to sap the champion’s energy in the later rounds, much like he did in the early portions of the Matias fight where he dominated the statistical categories.

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This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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