October 1, 2026. Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration, not an event photograph. Stylized portraits of Dalton Smith and Alberto Puello appear before a Sheffield-inspired arena.
Dalton Smith is set to make the first defense of his WBC super lightweight world championship against Alberto Puello at Utilita Arena Sheffield on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The World Boxing Council’s September 30 update confirms the venue and revised October date. For Smith, the bout is a return to his home city with the 140-pound world title at stake; for Dominican challenger Puello, it is an opportunity to regain a world championship.
A first defense in Sheffield
Smith claimed the WBC belt by stopping Subriel Matias in January 2026. Now his opening defense places him opposite a former titleholder with experience in championship contests. Smith’s local support is likely to provide a lively setting, although the fight’s significance lies in the title itself: the WBC world championship, rather than a regional or interim belt, is being contested. The WBC’s September 4 fight announcement likewise identifies this as the champion’s first defense.
Puello is the WBC’s mandatory challenger and a former world champion. His presence ensures that Smith’s first defense is not simply a homecoming appearance; the challenger has already competed at the top of the weight class. The central questions will be how Smith handles the pace of his first title defense and how Puello uses his championship experience to create openings over the scheduled contest.
How to watch Smith vs Puello
The WBC’s September 22 viewing guide lists DAZN as the live broadcaster. Streaming access and local start times can vary by territory, so viewers should consult the broadcaster’s event listing closer to fight night. The confirmed venue is Utilita Arena Sheffield and the confirmed fight date is October 24.
As of October 1, the contest is still ahead. Smith enters as the defending WBC super lightweight world champion and Puello as the challenger. The result, and any changes to the supporting card, will only be established on fight night. The WBC’s September 30 report and its broadcast information provide the primary event references.
