Dalton Smith became Britain’s newest boxing world champion by knocking out Sabriel Mathias in the fifth round in Brooklyn to win the WBC super lightweight title.
Smith dropped the Puerto Rican Matias with a right hook, extending his undefeated professional record to 19-0 when the referee called for a stoppage even as Matias tried to stand up.
The Sheffield fighter had rocked his opponent with another right hand earlier in the same round.
Smith suffered a cut over his left eye in the fourth round, which the referee ruled was caused by a headbutt.
Smith, who suffered a cut above his left eye during the fight, is now able to fight from his home in Sheffield.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.”
Speaking after the big win at Barclays Center, the 28-year-old said: “Listen, this is the first time in my career that I’ve been the underdog and the first time I’ve fought a monster.
“I’m not going to take anything away from Sabriel. He’s a great champion. I wasn’t too rigid about my tactics tonight. I played my game against him. He can’t hurt me and I knew I could beat him.”
“This is a message to all kids: Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If you work hard, you can.”
“Challenge me. I’m one of the best, if not the best, in this department. I’m ready to work with you.”
Smith joins compatriots Fabio Wardley (heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (welterweight), Jazza Dickens (super featherweight) and Nick Ball (featherweight) as the reigning men’s world champions.
Smith is undefeated as a professional, currently 19-0.
Hearn ‘Superstar’ Smith’s future is incredible
Promoter Eddie Hearn said Smith’s next fight could be a homecoming fight, saying: “Smith has declared himself to be a superstar in the light welterweight division. The future is incredible.”
“Now it has become a reality to play at Hillsborough (Sheffield Wednesday Football Club ground).”
Smith’s debut on American soil was in jeopardy after Mathias tested positive for a banned substance in November last year, but a month later the 33-year-old was found not guilty of drug violations.
Mathias’ uppercuts and combination punches troubled Smith from the start, but the Briton bounced back as the dethroned champion was knocked out for the first time, dropping his professional record to 23-3.
Of Mattias’ 23 wins, 22 have come by knockout.
