Dalton Smith Takes Care of Business Against O’Maison in a Cakewalk
It was a battle of local rivals at the Sheffield Arena in Sheffield, England, as Dalton Smith (12-0, 10 KOs) faced Sam O’maison (17-4-1, 7 KOs) for the vacant British junior welterweight title.
Smith is the fighter in this contest with loads of hype. Arguably the best prospect on the Matchroom promotional stable, the 25-year-old is considered the top prospect in the UK by many area pundits. In his previous outing, he scored an impressive sixth-round stoppage over Mauro Perouene in June 2022.
Next is O’maison, who is on the comeback trail after a lengthy period of inactivity. While his last bout was a four-round Serge Ambomo in May 2022, it was his first fight in nearly three years! But the 31-year-old is an experienced southpaw and familiar with his foe through sparring sessions in their hometown of Sheffield.
PRECISION, PRECISION, PRECISION
After taking the first round to feel his opponent out, Smith began to find a home for the right hand, starting in round two. Smith’s straight right proved to be the defining punch of the contest.
Midway through round three, O’maison was put down on the seat of his pants from a Smith combination that ended with a right hand to the head. To his credit, O’maison stood his ground and fought back hard in the fourth, but one could tell Smith was just biding his time.
ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
Getting back into gear in the fifth, Smith wobbled O’maison repeatedly during that round as his left jab-right hand was sharp and accurate. With thirty-seconds to go in round six, Smith put his overmatched opponent down for a second time with a right hand square on the chin. Seconds later, a peach of a right hand put O’maison down again but this time, out!
Smith was the heavy favorite heading into this fight and easily took care of business. The mission was to win the British title, which he did in style. His handlers feel he is on the fast track to a world title. Already the WBA Inter-Continental champion, Smith hopes to enter the world rankings by the end of the year.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
