Dalton Smith Eyeing Shakur Stevenson Or Gary Antuanne Russell Unification
In a solid technical chess match, WBC junior welterweight champion Dalton “Thunder” Smith (20-0, 14KO) narrowly defeated two-time champion “La Avispa” Alberto Puello (25-2, 11KO) by split decision. With this victory, the top priority has to be a unification bout against WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell or WBO champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson.
This was a typical, all-action battle as both men came out looking to establish the jab. The southpaw, La Avispa, did a good job of maintaining distance and landing the straight left hand. Thunder fought with controlled aggression and found a home for the counter right hand.
With the match looking close, Smith did a good job of finishing the championship rounds strong. One judge scored it 116-112 for Puello, and two scored it 115-113 for Smith. Immediately after the fight, Matchroom Boxing’s Chairman, Eddie Hearn, made it clear a unification must happen next.
TIME TO UNIFY IN 2027
Hearn made it clear they want to make the biggest fights, and collecting belts is a top priority.
“Next must be unifications.”
“We want to see the best versus the best, and I know Shakur Stevenson loves Sheffield in May.”
Both champions are free at the moment. Fearless had social media buzzing after leaving the Zuffa Boxing umbrella before the ink was dry on the contract. Moreover, his campaign to fight WBO 147-pound champion Devin Haney is no longer on the table. Haney may instead unify with IBF champion Liam Paro.
Russell would make for a good fight and already has a solid backstory. The WBA champion suffered his first career defeat at the hands of Puello in 2024.
Smith is primed for a big fight in 2027. The 140-pound division is ready to explode with exciting match-ups.
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