Undefeated Sheffield native Dalton Smith is now a world champion and has publicly backed one fighter in the upcoming Lopez vs. Stevenson title fight, while making it clear he intends to face the victor in a unification clash. Smith’s confidence comes not just from ambition, but from recently claiming the WBC super lightweight title emphatically.
Dalton Smith, now one of boxing’s hottest rising stars, isn’t watching from the sidelines; he’s at the center of the super lightweight championship picture. After a dominant TKO win over Subriel Matias to capture the WBC crown in Brooklyn, Smith has his eyes set on a unification bout with the winner of the highly anticipated Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson matchup at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2026.
“I will probably be over there watching it,” Smith told Sky Sports, adding that he favors Stevenson to win by points but he’d fight whoever comes out on top.
Analysts and fighters alike have weighed in, with opinions split on who holds the edge. Former champion Oscar Valdez recently described the bout as a 50/50 chess match, citing Lopez’s athleticism and Stevenson’s elite defensive skills.
Smith, fresh off his own title glory, believes seeing which top technician emerges will reshape the division’s hierarchy. He’s publicly backed Stevenson on points but is quick to stress he’ll welcome either challenger.
“This fight is a great fight, and obviously I have my eyes on that as a potential opponent,” Smith said.
This landmark win has also pushed Smith to the No. 1 spot in The Ring Magazine’s 140-pound rankings, putting him in a prime position for a unification clash.
Smith earned championships at the British and Commonwealth levels earlier in his career, showcasing his adaptability and championship mindset long before his world title breakthrough.
“I want the biggest fights for the biggest money, and that’s the one I’ve been chasing,” Smith said about a potential showdown with the winner.
He’s also been linked with potential domestic battles, including all-British allure against Adam Azim, but remains focused on global championship ambitions for now.
The Lopez-Stevenson event, branded “The Ring 6”, confirms both fighters hit the super lightweight limit for the Jan. 31 title fight, underscoring the seriousness of the matchup as fight week approaches.
As the Lopez vs Stevenson showdown inches closer, Smith remains a pivotal figure in the super lightweight landscape, not just as an observer, but as a future challenger ready to stake his claim on further unification gold.
Dalton Smith, now one of boxing’s hottest rising stars, isn’t watching from the sidelines; he’s at the center of the super lightweight championship picture. After a dominant TKO win over Subriel Matias to capture the WBC crown in Brooklyn, Smith has his eyes set on a unification bout with the winner of the highly anticipated Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson matchup at Madison Square Garden on January 31, 2026.
“I will probably be over there watching it,” Smith told Sky Sports, adding that he favors Stevenson to win by points but he’d fight whoever comes out on top.
Background on Lopez vs Stevenson
The clash between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson has been one of boxing’s most talked-about fights, pitting Lopez’s power and championship pedigree against Stevenson’s slick, technical mastery. Lopez, holding the WBO title, faces Stevenson, a multi-weight world titlist moving up to super lightweight to become a four-division champion.Analysts and fighters alike have weighed in, with opinions split on who holds the edge. Former champion Oscar Valdez recently described the bout as a 50/50 chess match, citing Lopez’s athleticism and Stevenson’s elite defensive skills.
Dalton Smith’s Perspective
Smith, fresh off his own title glory, believes seeing which top technician emerges will reshape the division’s hierarchy. He’s publicly backed Stevenson on points but is quick to stress he’ll welcome either challenger.
“This fight is a great fight, and obviously I have my eyes on that as a potential opponent,” Smith said.
Dalton Smith’s Career and Credentials
Dalton Smith’s star has risen fast. His 19-0 professional record, coupled with an impressive knockout rate, culminated in his January 10 TKO victory over Matias to secure the WBC super lightweight title, one of boxing’s major world belts.This landmark win has also pushed Smith to the No. 1 spot in The Ring Magazine’s 140-pound rankings, putting him in a prime position for a unification clash.
Smith earned championships at the British and Commonwealth levels earlier in his career, showcasing his adaptability and championship mindset long before his world title breakthrough.
Dalton Smith Eyes a Future Title Shot
With his world title in hand and his sight clearly set beyond it, Smith insists that his next chapter will involve bigger fights and that strategically means facing the champion of Lopez vs Stevenson.“I want the biggest fights for the biggest money, and that’s the one I’ve been chasing,” Smith said about a potential showdown with the winner.
He’s also been linked with potential domestic battles, including all-British allure against Adam Azim, but remains focused on global championship ambitions for now.
Technical Analysis
Smith’s view on the contrasting styles between Lopez and Stevenson is rooted in how he believes he can exploit gaps if he faces either man next. Against Lopez, it’s superior footwork and precision; against Stevenson, it’s crafting timing and punch-selection to counter a smooth southpaw. His switch-up game is viewed as a major asset if he earns the unification fight.Weigh-In and Pre-Fight Observations
The Lopez-Stevenson event, branded “The Ring 6”, confirms both fighters hit the super lightweight limit for the Jan. 31 title fight, underscoring the seriousness of the matchup as fight week approaches.
What Comes Next
Dalton Smith’s rapid ascent, capped by a world title on U.S. soil and a No. 1 divisional ranking, puts him firmly in the conversation for the next major championship showdown. His public prediction for Stevenson over Lopez adds intrigue, but more importantly, it underscores his readiness to face the new champion regardless of style.As the Lopez vs Stevenson showdown inches closer, Smith remains a pivotal figure in the super lightweight landscape, not just as an observer, but as a future challenger ready to stake his claim on further unification gold.
