Dalton Smith Stuns Subriel Matias in Brooklyn to Become World Champion

Dalton Smith arrived in New York as the underdog. He left Brooklyn with a green and gold belt around his waist, a career-defining stoppage on his record, and the unmistakable sense that British boxing has found another world-level star.

On a dramatic night at the Barclays Center, the 28-year-old from Sheffield produced the performance of his life to stop Subriel Matias and claim the WBC light-welterweight world title, announcing himself on the global stage in emphatic fashion.

Briton Smith Shocks Matias with Fearless Fifth-Round Finish

There are moments in boxing when reputation, form and predictions are torn up in an instant. Smith’s fifth-round knockout of Matias was one of those moments.

The Puerto Rican champion arrived with an intimidating record: 22 knockouts in 23 wins, a relentless pressure style, and a reputation for breaking opponents down with brute force. Smith, talented and highly rated back home, was still viewed by many as a step below the very elite at world level.

For four rounds, he proved those doubts misplaced. And in the fifth, he erased them completely.

Standing toe-to-toe in a ferocious exchange that lit up the arena, Smith unleashed a looping overhand right that sent Matias crashing to the canvas. The champion beat the count, but his legs betrayed him. As he staggered forward, the referee stepped in, waving off the contest to a mixture of shock and jubilation.

Smith dropped to his knees in disbelief. The Sheffield corner erupted. British boxing had a new world champion.

Fighting Fire with Fire in New York

Afterwards, Smith admitted he hadn’t followed the script.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve been the underdog and the first time I’ve fought a monster,” he said. “I didn’t really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his own game.”

It was a risky choice. Matias thrives on chaos, pressure and attrition. Yet Smith showed a maturity beyond his years, trusting his chin, timing and power when it mattered most.

“I gave my dad a bit of a heart attack in there,” he added with a smile. “That wasn’t the game plan, but I took his best shots and thought, ‘you can’t hurt me’. I knew I’d get to him.”

Those words captured the essence of Smith’s breakthrough: belief.

Barclays Center Feels Like Neutral Ground

Ticket sales were modest, but the atmosphere was anything but flat. Smith walked to the ring to Arctic Monkeys’ When the Sun Goes Down, a nod to his Sheffield roots, with a pocket of travelling supporters making themselves heard.

Still, this was Matias’ territory in spirit. New York’s strong Puerto Rican community rallied behind their man, creating a backdrop that felt more home than hostile for the defending champion. Matias looked so relaxed during his ring walk that he even stopped to take selfies with family members.

Smith, by contrast, looked locked in.

A Smart Start from the Challenger

Matias was making the first defence of the title he won against Alberto Puello in July, and history suggested he could be a slow starter. Smith and his team had done their homework.

The opening round belonged to the Briton. Sharp, economical punches to the head and body allowed him to bank early points while staying just out of range. The second round swung back Matias’ way as he began to impose his physicality, forcing Smith onto the back foot and opening a small cut on the Brit’s nose.

The third was scrappy, messy and tense. Then came the surprise.

Rather than boxing cautiously, Smith chose to trade.

Dalton Smith Announces Himself on the World Stage

By the fourth round, Smith was landing heavy left hooks with increasing confidence. The crowd sensed a shift. This wasn’t a visitor trying to survive; this was a challenger growing into the fight.

The fifth round provided the defining image of Smith’s career to date. After briefly stumbling under a Matias combination, he fired back with intent. Two crisp left-right combinations snapped the champion’s head back. Then came the overhand right that changed everything.

There was a brief protest from Matias, but it was half-hearted. He knew. The moment was gone.

Smith’s father and trainer, Grant, rushed into the ring, emotion written across his face. Years of quiet work in Sheffield gyms had paid off on one of boxing’s biggest stages.

Joining an Exclusive British Club

By lifting a world title in the United States, Smith joins a select list of British fighters who have conquered America, including Bob Fitzsimmons, Nigel Benn, James DeGale and Kell Brook.

He also becomes one of the UK’s current male world champions, alongside heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super-featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball.

For a fighter who spoke all week about wanting to emulate the travelling fanbase of the late Ricky Hatton, this felt like the perfect starting point.

“This is a message to every kid out there,” Smith said. “Do not let anybody tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If you work hard, you can do it.”

The Matias Backdrop and Fight-Week Noise

The build-up to the fight had not been without controversy. Promoter Eddie Hearn’s pre-fight comment that “justice shall be served” was widely interpreted as a reference to Matias’ adverse drug-test findings.

Matias had tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in a voluntary out-of-competition test, though the New York State Athletic Commission ruled the detected level fell below thresholds used by major jurisdictions, allowing the bout to proceed.

Inside the ring, none of that mattered. Smith settled the argument in the only way that truly counts.

What Next for the New WBC Champion?

With the WBC belt secured, Smith suddenly finds himself in a stacked light-welterweight division. Big nights and bigger paydays now loom.

WBO and Ring Magazine champion Teofimo Lopez is set to face Shakur Stevenson later this month. Gary Russell holds the WBA title, while Richardson Hitchins sits atop the IBF rankings. Smith’s name now belongs in those conversations.

“Show me the money,” Smith said, grinning. “Let me enjoy this moment. The future is bright.”

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has already hinted at a homecoming celebration, with the possibility of a headline fight at Hillsborough, the home of Sheffield Wednesday, firmly on the table.

“Dalton Smith has announced himself as a light-welterweight superstar,” Hearn said. “Now fighting at Hillsborough is a reality.”

A Night That Changed Everything

For Dalton Smith, Brooklyn was more than just another away assignment. It was the night potential became reality.

Against a feared puncher, in hostile territory, he showed courage, composure and conviction. Boxing careers often turn on fine margins. One punch. One decision. One moment of belief.

On a cold New York night, Smith seized his moment — and British boxing will feel the aftershocks for years to come.