British Boxer Dalton Smith Faces Tough Title Challenge Against Subriel Matias

Smith, an undefeated 18-0 fighter, is the underdog against the hard-hitting Puerto Rican champion Matias in their WBC super-lightweight title fight at Barclays Center.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, red, and yellow, capturing the intense physicality and drama of a boxing match.As two boxers collide in a high-stakes title fight, their explosive movements and raw power are captured in a neon-hued expressionist painting.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.

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.

  • 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.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 major opportunity for the undefeated British challenger Dalton Smith to pull off a significant upset and establish himself as a force in the super-lightweight division, but he faces a daunting task against the hard-hitting, relentless champion Subriel Matias.