Dalton Smith traveled all the way from Sheffield, U.K., to Brooklyn, NY, aiming to become a world champion, and he achieved that Saturday night at the Barclays Center.
Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) scored a dominant fifth-round TKO over Subriel Matias (23-3, 22 KOs) to become the new WBC super lightweight champion. It was a fight where both fighters refused to give an inch, but ultimately, Smith emerged victorious.
Smith wasted no time in the opening round by attacking and using his left jab to set the pace. When Matias would drop his hands and walk toward him, Smith landed some quick overhand rights that sent Matias back a few steps. All Matias did was stalk Smith, but the latter was able to land some good offense from the start.
In the second round, Smith kept up his aggressive offense, but this time, he included more holding to try to frustrate Matias. Smith landed some powerful punches, but Matias was stalking him and closing the distance, which allowed him to land multiple three- or four-punch combinations. Smith made the mistake of fighting on the inside, which let Matias score with his combinations.
Matias kept the fight close and continued landing multiple combinations throughout the third round. With a minute remaining, Matias and Smith went toe-to-toe, and both fighters looked buzzed from each other’s punches right up until the bell sounded to end the round.
The fourth round was more savagery by both fighters as they continued to exchange blows, but Smith’s left eye gave in and a cut appeared, causing blood to pour down his face. It was hard to tell which fighter was gaining the upper hand, but Matias seemed to be feeling it more than Smith.
In the fifth round, Smith and Matias kept exchanging blows, but a powerful straight right hand rocked Matias backward. Smith then threw another right hand, and Matias collapsed. He got up, but his legs wobbled, and he didn’t look well. The referee stepped in and stopped the fight since Matias was in no condition to continue.
Smith dropped to the canvas as emotions flooded in, now being the new WBC super lightweight champion and a name set to be involved in some big fights this year.
SUBRIEL MATIAS VS DALTON SMITH UNDERCARD RESULTS
Emmanuel Rodriguez (23-3, 13 KOs) earned a tough but unanimous decision (97-92, 99-91 x2) over Fernando Diaz (16-7-1, 6 KOs). Rodriguez dominated the first six rounds, but rounds 7-10 were filled with nothing but back-and-forth action.
Jeyvier Cintron (14-1, 7 KOs) and Victor Sandoval (38-6, 24 KOs) had a round of the year candidate in a fight that did not pass the opening round. Cintron was rocked and knocked down early in the round. Then Cintron fought back and scored a TKO after Sandoval was knocked down multiple times, with the last one forcing the referee to stop the fight. It was a first round that will be replayed many times in the next few days.
Nestor Bravo (24-1, 17 KOs) scored a vicious second-round knockout over Pedro Campa (37-5-1, 25 KOs).
Keith Colon (9-0, 9 KOs) scored four knockdowns en route to a seventh-round TKO over Alberto Guevara (28-9, 13 KOs).
Arjan Iseni (5-0, 5 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Mario Orozco (4-5, 3 KOs), opening the pay-per-view. The fight was halted after Orozco’s corner decided their guy had enough.
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