Sheffield's Dalton Smith Wins World Title in Round 5 KO

A young boxer from Sheffield just showed the world what believing in yourself can do.

Dalton Smith knocked out Puerto Rico's Subriel Matias in the fifth round Saturday night at Brooklyn's Barclays Centre, claiming the WBC super-lightweight title and keeping his unbeaten professional record intact at 19 wins. The 28-year-old dropped Matias with a powerful right hook, forcing the referee to stop the fight despite the defending champion's attempts to stand.

Smith entered the ring as the underdog against a fighter known for his knockout power. Matias had won 22 of his 23 previous victories by knockout and had never been knocked out in his career until Saturday night.

The Sheffield fighter didn't stick to his corner's careful game plan. Instead, he took the fight directly to the champion, absorbing early combination punches and uppercuts before landing his own devastating blows. He rocked Matias with a right hand earlier in round five before delivering the final knockout punch.

A fourth-round headbutt opened a cut above Smith's left eye, but nothing could slow his momentum. He became Britain's fifth current male world champion, joining heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super-featherweight Jazza Dickens, and featherweight Nick Ball.

Why This Inspires

Smith's message after the fight hit home for anyone chasing a big goal. "This is a message to every kid out there," he said. "Do not let anybody tell you can't achieve your dreams because if you work hard, you can do it."

His promoter Eddie Hearn called him "the light-welterweight superstar" and announced that a homecoming fight at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium is now a reality. The kid from Sheffield who was once told he couldn't compete with the monsters of boxing just became one himself.

The victory nearly didn't happen. Matias tested positive for a banned substance last November, threatening to cancel the fight entirely. Officials cleared him a month later, allowing Smith his shot at glory.

Now undefeated and holding a world title belt, Smith isn't satisfied. "I'm one of the best, if not the best in the division," he declared. "I'm ready to mix it up with everyone."

Sometimes the underdog wins, and a whole city gets to celebrate.