Dalton Smith Keeps WBC Title on Disputed Split Decision Over Alberto Puello
Dalton Smith retained his WBC light welterweight title with a questionable split decision over Alberto Puello in Sheffield.
Dalton Smith retained his WBC light welterweight title on Saturday night at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, but the split decision over Alberto Puello left more questions than answers about the undefeated champion's standing at 140 pounds.
Two judges scored the fight 115-113 for Smith. The third had Puello ahead 116-112, per Boxing News 24. Smith improved to 20-0 while Puello dropped to 25-2.
Smith was the aggressor throughout, pressing forward and working to the body, but Puello's movement and accurate counters made it a difficult night for the Sheffield fighter. The Dominican southpaw found openings with his left hand, particularly in the later rounds, and limited Smith's ability to put together sustained combinations.
The final round summed up the problem. With the fight hanging in the balance, Smith spent time showboating while Puello kept working. Puello appeared to win the round on activity alone, and Boxing News 24 described the overall verdict as "questionable."
Smith won the WBC title in January by stopping Subriel Matias, who had taken the belt from Puello in a majority decision last July that was itself considered controversial. Puello has now lost two straight title fights, both by close decision, both disputed.
After the fight, Smith and promoter Eddie Hearn called for a unification bout with WBO champion Shakur Stevenson, though the financial realities of a Stevenson fight remain complicated.
I had Smith winning a close fight, but I understand why people are upset. Puello is one of the most frustrating fighters in boxing right now: good enough to beat anybody at 140, unlucky enough to keep getting jobbed on the road.
Two title fights, two losses, both by close decision, both in the other guy's backyard. At some point the sport owes him a fair shake. The 116-112 card for Puello was the most accurate scorecard turned in, and that tells you something.
As for Smith calling out Shakur Stevenson, I respect the ambition, but that performance did not make the sale. Stevenson's camp is asking for $15 million. Saturday's fight did not look like a $15 million opponent. Smith needs a more convincing win before that fight makes financial sense for anyone.
https://www.boxingnews24.com/2026/10/dalton-smith-gets-disputed-split-decision-over-alberto-puello/
