British Boxer Dalton Smith Faces Daunting Title Challenge Against Subriel Matias

Former champion Tim Bradley predicts a knockout win for the Puerto Rican powerhouse in this weekend's super-lightweight title fight.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:37am

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An abstract, energetic painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw power and motion of two boxers engaged in a fierce battle, their figures dissolving into expressive brushstrokes.A neon-hued, expressionist depiction of the intense, high-stakes clash between British challenger Dalton Smith and Puerto Rican champion Subriel Matias in their upcoming super-lightweight title fight.Brooklyn Today

British boxer Dalton Smith will travel to Brooklyn's Barclays Center this Saturday to challenge Puerto Rican champion Subriel Matias for the WBC super-lightweight title. Smith, an undefeated 18-0 fighter, is seen as the underdog against the hard-hitting 23-2 Matias, who is known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. Former WBC champion Tim Bradley has bluntly predicted that Matias will 'chop up' Smith, questioning whether the British fighter has faced tough enough opposition to be ready for Matias's ferocity.

Why it matters

This fight represents a chance for Dalton Smith to etch his name into the storied history of British boxers claiming world titles on American soil. However, Matias's aggressive, pressure-heavy style poses a major challenge, and a victory for Smith would be a significant upset that would launch him into the upper echelon of the super-lightweight division.

The details

Matias, with a record of 23-2 (22 KOs), is the defending WBC super-lightweight champion and is known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. Bradley believes Matias will overwhelm the less experienced Smith, who has a 18-0 record (13 KOs) but has yet to face an opponent of Matias's caliber. The fight has also been surrounded by some controversy, as Matias tested positive for a banned substance in November, though the WBC ruled it was due to contaminated supplements and allowed the fight to proceed. Additionally, UK fans have been frustrated by the announcement that the fight will only be available on PPV.com for £41.95, after Matias's promoter outbid Matchroom, which would have aired the bout on DAZN.

  • The fight will take place this Saturday, April 15, 2026 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
  • In November 2025, Matias tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, though the WBC ruled it was due to contaminated supplements and allowed the fight to proceed.

The players

Subriel Matias

The defending WBC super-lightweight champion, known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. He has a professional record of 23-2 with 22 KOs.

Dalton Smith

The undefeated British boxer (18-0, 13 KOs) who is challenging Matias for the WBC super-lightweight title. He is seen as the underdog in the fight.

Tim Bradley

The former WBC super-lightweight champion who has bluntly predicted that Matias will 'chop up' Smith, questioning whether the British fighter has faced tough enough opposition to be ready for Matias's ferocity.

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What they’re saying

“Dalton Smith is about to get chopped up. He's never faced anyone at this level. Is this his chance to prove himself? Maybe. But I don't think he's ready.”

— Tim Bradley, Former WBC super-lightweight champion

“This won't go 12 rounds. Matias will mow him down.”

— Tim Bradley, Former WBC super-lightweight champion

What’s next

The winner of the Matias vs. Smith fight will likely be in line for a unification bout against the winner of the upcoming fight between WBA and IBF super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and WBO champion Arnold Barboza Jr.

The takeaway

This fight represents a significant opportunity for Dalton Smith to make history as a British boxer claiming a world title on American soil, but he faces a daunting challenge in the form of the hard-hitting, pressure-heavy champion Subriel Matias. The debate around whether Smith is ready for this level of opposition is sure to add to the drama and intrigue surrounding this weekend's title clash.