Boxing

Dalton Smith stuns Subriel Matias KO in the fifth round to win the title

Published

9 months ago

January 11, 2026

Just when it looked like Dalton Smith had used the wrong strategy against the heavily armed Subriel Matias, staying in the pocket and punching, the British fighter scored a stunning fifth-round knockout to become the WBC junior welterweight champion in a thrilling fight at the Barclays Center in Recent York.

Fighting in Sheffield, UK, Smith (19-0, 14 KO) was drawn into an ill-advised head-to-head fight with Matias after the first round. While Matias welcomed the close combat, Smith persevered and weathered the storm. Just when it seemed Matias was breaking him down, Smith unleashed a pair of right hands in the fifth round that made him a world champion. The first one shook Matias badly, the second one knocked him down tough. Matias fought back and eventually got back to his feet, but was seriously injured when the referee stopped the fight with less than a minute left in the round.

“For the first time in my career, I was the underdog and the first time I faced a monster,” Smith said. “I canceled all the noise. Tonight was my night.”

Smith made his US debut in a fight with Matias, which almost didn’t happen. In November, before the fight, Matias tested positive for a banned substance in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association test. However, following an investigation in December, the WBC found him not guilty of violating its drug policy. This would ultimately benefit Smith, who pulled off an upset in a fight full of fireworks from the opening bell. Matias (23-3, 22 KO) moved forward and tried to put pressure on Smith with his hefty hands and high punching power. Smith initially tried to stay on the outside and in the box, but was pulled in in Round 3.

The fight seemed to go in Matias’ favor, as he rocked Smith with uppercuts and punch combinations. But Smith refused to leave and responded with combinations. Matias’ bravado prevented him from retreating and finally caught up with him in round 5 when Smith stepped back and fired a tough right hand that caught Matias in the chin. Matias, who had not been knocked out before the fight, swung at Smith and was met with a second right hand that sent him to the canvas. And that was all Smith needed to become world champion.

“He beat Matias at his own game,” said Smith’s promoter Eddie Hearn. “Matias has never been down or injured before, and now Dalton Smith has declared himself the modern superstar of the 140-pound division. The future is unbelievable.”

Matias won the WBC junior welterweight title by majority vote over Alberto Puello in July and has long been considered the terror of the division. But Smith sent a message that he wouldn’t let one of the toughest fighters in the division stop him from achieving his goal in Brooklyn. And now he will welcome all challengers to his world title.

“Take up the challenge,” Smith said. “I’m one of the best, if not the best in the division. I’m ready to mix with everyone.”

Boxing

Tony Bellews Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: Yep, I Said It

Published

4 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Tony Bellew's Bold KO Prediction for Dubois vs Wardley 2: "Yep, I Said It"

Tony Bellew is going against the grain for tonight’s Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley rematch.

The pair meet again just five months on from their thrilling first encounter, with Dubois now WBO champion having won the belt from Wardley via eleventh round stoppage.

After surviving two early knockdowns, the Londoner – who is now in his second stint as heavyweight titlist – took over the contest with a solid jab setting up thudding attacks that exhausted Wardley.

Though the Ipswich man stayed on his feet throughout, referee Howard Foster waved it off as the punishment because too much.

It is how the fight ended, and those last few rounds in which Dubois was largely dominating, that make him a strong favourite to retain his belt.

Giving his prediction to the BBCformer cruiserweight world champion Bellew backed Wardley to have success early again, but capitalise fully this time and end it.

“I’m going to be the difference. I am going to back Fabio Wardley by knockout within six rounds. Yep, I said [it]. I’m going for Fab within six.”

Dubois was on the canvas within ten seconds last time out, and took a knee in the third when hurt again.

Bellew has questioned Dubois’ resolve in the past, pointing to his stoppage loss to Joe Joyce as proof that there is a point he can be pushed to that he is not willing to go beyond. Many, however, will look to the first Wardley performance and disagree.

Both men recorded the highest weights of their careers on the scalessuggesting that neither will be changing the gameplan to a more measured affair, rather looking to engage in round 13 from the off tonight at London’s O2.

Boxing

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: I Still Think That

Published

5 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Peter Fury Shares Final Thoughts on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: "I Still Think That"

Top trainer Peter Fury has offered his expert analysis on the rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, believing it is still a 50/50 fight.

Others, meanwhile, will argue that Dubois should be made a considerable favourite, based on how he was able to dismantle Wardley in their first encounter.

In order to do so, the ‘Dynamite’ puncher was compelled to climb off the canvas in rounds one and three, having been put down by blows to the top of his head.

Proceedings then became a little one-sided as Dubois, utilising his fundamentals, managed to score an 11th-round finish with his thudding jab and superior footwork.

Wardley, however, wasted little time before activating the rematch clause in their contract and, in turn, securing the chance to reclaim his WBO title at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow evening.

Many will argue that such a swift turnaround could lead to his downfall while, due to his power and toughness, others would suggest that the 31-year-old is always dangerous, no matter the opponent standing across from him.

As such, coach Fury has told Boxing King Media that, while Dubois is rightfully brimming with confidence, it would be foolish to entirely dismiss Wardley’s attributes.

“I think it’s a great heavyweight fight – Dubois has got heavy hands and a good jab as well, so it’ll be interesting.

“You’ve got to say Wardley’s got it all to do, because the confidence of Dubois will be high. And if Dubois’ super confident, he’s a problem.

“But let’s see – Wardley was able to hurt Dubois early on. I still think that fight is a 50/50 fight.”

If he emerges victorious against Wardley, then Dubois will likely be targeting a unification match with Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic in 2027.

Boxing

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Published

7 hours ago

October 17, 2026

The Punch Junkie™ News

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Round-by-Round Live Updates and Results

Daniel Dubois will face Fabio Wardley in a rematch of a heavyweight slugfest from earlier this year, with Dubois defending the WBO heavyweight title he took from Wardley on that night.

Live coverage will kick off at 2 pm ET, and we’ll have results and updates during the four-fight, main card undercard, then live, round-by-round scoring and updates for the main event itself.

How to watch Dubois vs Wardley 2

Start time: 2:00 pm ET for main card, prelims begin at 11:00 am ET

Streaming: DAZN (Ultimate subscription or Pay-Per-View)

PPV Cost: As a standalone, one-off purchase Pay-Per-View, the price is $59.99 (or £24.99). With DAZN’s Ultimate tier, the show is included as part of your subscription.

Location: O2 Arena – London, England