Dalton Smith wants Hillsborough – Hearn eyes Shakur Stevenson as opponent
After his narrow title defence against Puello, WBC champion Dalton Smith dreams of a stadium fight at Sheffield Wednesday. Promoter Eddie Hearn has brought Shakur Stevenson into the picture.
Photo: Arne Müseler / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de (cropped and resized)
Video: YouTube · Ring Magazine · youtube.com
After his split-decision win over Alberto Puello, Dalton Smith named his next target. "I want Hillsborough," the 29-year-old WBC super lightweight champion said at his post-fight press conference, according to The Ring. Sheffield Wednesday's stadium, the club Smith supports, holds around 35,000. "I want Hillsborough, I want Arctic Monkeys, I want a proper Sheffield night."
Promoter Eddie Hearn floated WBO champion Shakur Stevenson, a free agent since leaving Zuffa Boxing. "For me they are No. 1 and No. 2 in the division so that's a natural fight," Hearn said, adding that Stevenson would be "well up for fighting Dalton Smith" in front of 30,000 in the UK. Talks are now expected to follow.
According to The Ring, Sheffield Wednesday's new owners, who were ringside, want Smith to help spearhead a new era, and the club has already contacted Sheffield City Council about the licence required for a world title fight. Hearn also named WBO No. 1 contender Raymond Muratalla and WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell as possible opponents for Stevenson.