Briton Dalton Smith defends his WBC light-welterweight title against Alberto Puello from the Dominican Republic this Saturday, following his impressive victory over Subriel Matias in January. Former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew believes that a future showdown with Adam Azim at Hillsborough Stadium could elevate Smith to household name status.

Bellew asserts that while Dalton possesses the skills to be one of the best in British boxing, gaining widespread recognition requires a rival who can capture public interest. He reflects on his own career, citing David Haye as the fighter who significantly boosted his popularity after their initial fight.

• Dalton Smith is seen as a bright prospect in British boxing, with a solid foundation from his amateur days.
• Bellew admires Smith's technical prowess and timing, drawing comparisons to another Sheffield fighter, Kell Brook.
• He emphasizes the importance of Smith's relationship with his father and trainer, Grant, who encourages learning from various coaches.

As Smith prepares for his fight against Puello, Bellew warns that overlooking the southpaw could be dangerous. He notes Puello's impressive work rate and resilience, suggesting that this bout may be Smith's toughest challenge yet.

Bellew advises Smith to maintain a steady pace, focusing on winning rounds rather than seeking a knockout. He believes that if Smith can defeat Puello, he will solidify his position as a top contender in the division.

Lastly, Bellew encourages Smith to remain at light-welterweight, advocating for unifying the belts instead of jumping between weight classes, reminiscent of Marvin Hagler's legacy.