Dalton Smith’s Undefeated Streak Tested: Challenges WBC Champion Subriel Matias in Brooklyn Showdown

The boxing world sets its gaze on Brooklyn, New York, tonight, January 10, 2026, as an electrifying showdown is poised to unfold at the iconic Barclays Center. At the heart of this highly anticipated event is the undefeated British phenom, Dalton Smith, who steps into the biggest test of his burgeoning career against the formidable WBC junior welterweight champion, Subriel Matias. This isn’t just another fight; it’s a collision of records, power, and ambition, with Smith’s unblemished professional slate on the line against Matias’s reputation as a knockout artist.

Smith, with a pristine 18-0 record, including 13 knockouts, has systematically climbed the ranks, earning his shot at championship glory. His journey has been marked by precision and power, culminating in this mandatory challenge. Across the ring stands Subriel Matias, the Puerto Rican champion boasting a menacing 23-2 record with an astounding 22 knockouts, a testament to his ‘KO machine’ moniker. As the champion, Matias brings a blend of experience and raw aggression, making this matchup a fascinating study in contrasting, yet equally potent, boxing philosophies.

The Unbeaten Challenger: Dalton Smith’s Ascent

Dalton Smith’s path to the world title has been nothing short of impressive, a carefully constructed ascent that has seen him dominate every opponent placed before him. At 28 years old, the Sheffield native has showcased a blend of technical skill, ring intelligence, and devastating power that belies his relatively young professional career. His 18 victories, with 13 coming by way of knockout, speak volumes about his ability to finish fights decisively. Smith’s last outing was in April 2025, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Matieu Germain, a performance that further solidified his standing as a top contender and defended his mandatory position within the WBC ranks.

But the journey to Brooklyn began much earlier, marked by pivotal wins that propelled him into the elite conversation. In March 2024, Smith delivered a statement performance, knocking out three-time title challenger Jose Zepeda, a victory that sent shockwaves through the 140-pound division. This was followed by an opening-round destruction of Walid Ouizza in January, where he captured European honors, demonstrating his adaptability and merciless finishing instinct. These triumphs, combined with his consistent performances, earned him the coveted mandatory challenger status, setting the stage for tonight’s monumental clash against Matias. Smith is not merely an undefeated fighter; he is a supremely talented individual, an elite power puncher who has yet to taste defeat, carrying the hopes of British boxing into this transatlantic title challenge.

Champion’s Domain: Subriel Matias’s Reign and Power

Standing opposite Smith is the reigning WBC junior welterweight champion, Subriel Matias, a fighter whose reputation is built on pure, unadulterated power. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Matias, at 33 years old, is the more experienced combatant, with seven more professional bouts under his belt. His record of 23 wins and only 2 losses, with an astonishing 22 knockouts, translates to a staggering 96% knockout rate – a statistic that commands respect and fear in equal measure. Matias doesn’t just win; he often overwhelms his opponents, leaving little to doubt once he finds his rhythm.

Matias captured the WBC super lightweight championship with a hard-fought majority decision victory over Alberto Puello in July 2025, a contest that showcased his grit and determination even when a knockout proved elusive. This will be his first defense of this particular WBC strap. Prior to this, Matias had held the IBF super lightweight title from 2023, a reign that unfortunately ended in an upset loss to Liam Paro in June 2024. This experience, however, has only seemed to sharpen his focus, as he bounced back with two knockouts and a majority decision win in his subsequent fights. As DraftKings notes, Matias is the veteran in this fight, a -160 favorite, and is expected to lean on his extensive big-fight experience and aggressive style to retain his title against the hungry challenger.

Clash of Destinies: Brooklyn’s Electrifying Main Event

Tonight’s main event at the Barclays Center is more than just a title fight; it’s a narrative of destiny, pitting an undefeated rising star against a battle-tested knockout artist. Both fighters are elite power punchers, creating an atmosphere ripe for fireworks. While Matias holds the advantage in experience and knockout percentage, Smith’s unblemished record and relentless drive make him a dangerous adversary. The over/under for the fight is set at 10.5 rounds, with the over being -170, suggesting that while power is abundant, a quick finish isn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion, as noted by DraftKings.

The event, broadcast via PPV.com in the United States, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EST, with main event ring walks anticipated around 11 p.m. EST. Beyond the main attraction, the fight card features a compelling lineup of bouts, including Jeyvier Cintron vs. Victor Sandoval and Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Fernando Diaz in the bantamweight division, promising a full night of high-stakes action. For Dalton Smith, this is his moment to prove he belongs at the very top, to etch his name into the annals of boxing history by dethroning a formidable champion. For Subriel Matias, it’s an opportunity to solidify his reign and remind the division why he is considered one of its most dangerous forces. The stage is set for an unforgettable night in Brooklyn.

Tonight’s matchup between Subriel Matias and Dalton Smith epitomizes the raw essence of professional boxing: a high-stakes encounter where an undefeated challenger’s ambition meets a champion’s proven power. The fact that Smith has systematically built his career to this point, combined with Matias’s relentless pressure and knockout prowess, ensures that this fight is not just a test of skill, but a true battle of wills, with the victor undoubtedly emerging as a dominant force in the junior welterweight division.