Matias vs Smith: Matchroom’s Fast-Tracked Contender Gets His First Real Test Against the WBC Executioner

It’s not official that WBC light welterweight champion Subriel Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) will defend his title against #1-ranked Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) on January 10, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Dalton Smith’s Fast-Track Reality Check

Compared to some of the other options available for Matias, this is a medium-level opponent. Although the 28-year-old Brit, Smith, is unbeaten, he’s not faced any notable contenders at 140 during his six-year professional career.

The Matchroom-promoted Dalton Smith has been rapidly moved up the rankings without facing any of the killers at light welterweight. He wasn’t a great amateur before turning pro, finishing up with an average 39-11 record, which screams mediocre. It’s hard to know how well he’ll respond in his first actual contest against a quality fighter in Matias.

The Puerto Rico former IBF 140-lb champion Matias looked like a relentless executioner in dethroning WBC champion Alberto Puello by a 12-round majority decision earlier this year on July 12 in Queens, New York.

Why Brooklyn Is the Perfect Location

Cesar Seda broke the news earlier today about Matias vs. Smith happening on January 10, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The venue works better for Puerto Rican Matias, since many of his New York fans will be in attendance. So, he won’t be lacking for fans to support him against the visiting fighter, Smith.

Dalton’s last seven wins

• Mathieu Germain
• Walid Quizza
• Jose Zepeda
• Sam Maxwell
• Billy Allington
• Kaisee Benjamin
• Sam O’maison

As you can see, Dalton Smith hasn’t been a risk-taker with the opposition he’s been facing. Whether he had any say in the type of opposition he faces is unclear. It’s a red flag that Matchroom chose to match Smith so weakly for a solid six years. There was no real development going on. This was more about building a record.

🔥¡ES OFICIAL!🔥
Subriel Matías defenderá su título ante Dalton Smith 🇬🇧 en Brooklyn 🥊#MatiasVsSmith #Boxeo #PaQueNoTeLoCuenten pic.twitter.com/kyv0nlavm7

— Cesar Seda (@cesarseda) October 27, 2025