Dalton Smith Stops Matias

In a stunning upset on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, undefeated British contender Dalton Smith (now 19-0, 14 KOs) delivered a career-defining performance, stopping reigning WBC super lightweight champion Subriel Matias (23-3, 22 KOs) in the fifth round to capture the world title in his first-ever world championship bout.

The fight, promoted as Matias vs. Smith, pitted the ferocious Puerto Rican pressure fighter Matias—known for his relentless aggression and devastating power—against the more technical and composed Smith, a former British, Commonwealth, and European champion making his U.S. debut. Most observers favored Matias heavily due to his track record of overwhelming opponents, but Smith flipped the script in spectacular fashion.

Smith started fast, using sharp jabs and body work to establish control early. He met Matias head-on rather than relying solely on movement, surprising many who expected him to box cautiously. By Rounds 4 and 5, Smith’s combinations began to tell: a flurry late in the fourth troubled Matias, and in the fifth, a powerful right hand dropped the champion hard. Matias rose but was overwhelmed as Smith poured on the pressure, forcing the referee to wave it off. The stoppage came as a massive shock, marking the second time in recent years Matias has lost his title (following his 2024 defeat to Liam Paro).

Post-fight, Smith celebrated becoming Britain’s latest world champion, calling it a “dream come true” and vowing to defend the belt proudly. The victory catapults the 28-year-old Sheffield native into the elite of the 140-pound division, with a potential mandatory defense against Alberto Puello (from whom Matias won the title in 2025) already on the horizon. For Matias, the loss is a tough setback, ending his second reign after reclaiming gold last summer.

The electric atmosphere in Brooklyn, with a strong British contingent in attendance, turned the event into a memorable night for UK boxing fans. This result adds another layer to a stacked January 2026 boxing calendar, following Agit Kabayel’s dominant home win earlier in the evening.

Brief on the Undercard Winners

The Barclays Center card featured solid supporting action, with key results including:

• Emmanuel Rodriguez secured a win in his bout (details limited, but highlighted as a competitive featherweight clash).

• Jeyvier Cintron picked up a victory over Victor Sandoval in a fast-paced preliminary fight.

• Nestor Bravo defeated Pedro Campa via decision in a gritty super lightweight matchup.

Overall, the card delivered high drama, with Dalton Smith’s massive upset stealing the spotlight and signaling a bright future for the rising British star in the super lightweight division.