Dalton Smith Retains WBC Title with Split Decision Win over Alberto Puello

British boxer Dalton Smith retained the WBC light welterweight title with a split decision win over Alberto Puello. The fight took place on a night at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. The 29-year-old had to take the bout to the final round in his first title defence.

The judges' scorecards differed. Kieran McCann of England and Jon Llona of Spain scored the fight 115-113 for Smith. Filipino judge Ray Danseco scored it 116-112 for Puello.

Puello, from the Dominican Republic, is a former WBA and WBC champion. It was only his second defeat in 27 fights. That loss came in January in New York, when Smith won a world title bout against Subriel Matias. Smith has won all 20 of his professional fights.

The two boxers were originally scheduled to meet four months earlier, in June. The bout was postponed after Puello was injured. After the fight, Smith spoke to DAZN. He said that since his opponent was a two-time world champion who had beaten serious names, he knew from the start the fight would not be easy. He said he matched his opponent's rhythm early but lost focus over a few rounds. He added that winning the final rounds showed he was acting like a true champion.