Smith Stops Matias To Become New WBC Champ

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 11, 2026 1:40 AM ET

Dalton Smith stopped Subriel Matias in the fifth round to become the new WBC Junior Welterweight Champion.

Matias was making the first defense of his belt. He had been rocked by an “atypical finding” for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine in a VADA test. However, after an investigation by the WBC and the New York State Athletic Commission, the levels were found to be significantly below the threshold for a violation.

Matias entered this fight following a majority decision win over Alberto Puello last July—a victory that marked the first time in the champion’s career he was forced to go the full 12 rounds. His challenger, Smith, was making his highly anticipated U.S. debut. The Brit earned his mandatory spot with back-to-back dominant performances in 2025: TKO victory over Walid Ouizza and a unanimous decision win against Mathieu Germain. Now, Smith has secured the biggest win of his career. Here is how the fight played out live.

Updates

Matias vs. Smtih Round 1: Smith is PUTTING ON A CLINIC early!

The Brit just landed a nasty right hand and a clean uppercut in the first 30 seconds. Smith’s jab is looking sharp and he’s dominating the volume.

Matias is literally just walking him down and eating shots…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) January 11, 2026

Matias vs. Smith Round 2:

Smith is landing at will—one-twos, hooks, and a massive uppercut that snapped Matias’ head back. But the crowd is getting restless with the clinching! ️

The script has flipped: Smith stopped moving and is now TRADING on the inside. Matias finally…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) January 11, 2026

Matias vs. Smith Round 3:

The Brit opened up with a slick 3-punch combo and he’s officially brawling now! They are standing center-ring trading absolute HEAT. Smith is landing rights to the guard and digging to the body, but Matias is starting to find his rhythm on the inside.…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) January 11, 2026

Matias vs. Smith Round 4:

Dalton Smith is officially trying to beat Matias at his own game! No more running—he’s meeting him head-on and landing MASSIVE power shots. That left hook is findind a home over and over again!

Matias is eating the shots and countering with…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) January 11, 2026

Matias vs. Smith Round 5: ABSOLUTE CHAOS! DALTON SMITH HAS DONE IT!

Smith stumbled early from a Matias combo but came back like a MAN POSSESSED. Despite a cut over his left eye, he pushed the boogeyman to the ropes and started unloading.

Matias got ROCKED by a massive… https://t.co/yUYV1cJK8v
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) January 11, 2026

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

More must-reads: