British boxing has a new potential superstar — and his name is Dalton Smith. The WBC light-welterweight world champion defends his title against Alberto Puello of the Dominican Republic on Saturday, after stunning Subriel Matias in January. Now former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has explained exactly what Smith needs to become a mainstream star.
Dalton Smith (Credits: BBC Sport)
Dalton Smith: From World Champion to Household Name
Smith has everything it takes to become British boxing’s next superstar, according to Bellew — one of the best fighters in the country pound-for-pound. But being a brilliant fighter and becoming a household name are two very different things, as Bellew knows from his own career. His old mate David Haye was the fighter who took Bellew’s popularity to another level entirely, as the whole country tuned in for their rivalry.
Why an Adam Azim Fight at Hillsborough Would Change Everything
Bellew’s prescription for Smith’s stardom is specific: a domestic blockbuster against Adam Azim at Hillsborough. The all-British showdown would carry the kind of genuine rivalry and narrative that casual fans can’t resist — the same formula that has lifted British boxers from title holders to national names for decades.
Saturday’s defense against Puello is the first step. But if Smith keeps winning, the Azim fight could be the one that turns a world champion into a crossover star.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
