Event Overview
The main event is a 12-round WBC super lightweight (140 lbs) world title fight, with champion Subriel Matias defending his belt against mandatory challenger Dalton Smith. This high-stakes clash pits Matias’ devastating power and relentless pressure against Smith’s technical boxing, speed, and undefeated record in what many view as a pick’em contest with explosive potential.
Venue Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA. This 19,000-capacity arena is a boxing hotspot, previously hosting major events like Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez vs. Daniel Jacobs, delivering an intense atmosphere with strong Puerto Rican support expected for Matias.
Ringwalks are scheduled for approximately 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT), with the Matias vs. Smith ringwalk expected around 10:00-11:00 PM ET, depending on undercard progression. The event streams live on PPV.com (and potentially DIRECTV PPV).
Injury Report
Subriel Matias — No current injuries reported as of January 5, 2026. Matias is fully cleared following a resolved adverse VADA finding (low-level Ostarine detected below thresholds), with the New York State Athletic Commission confirming the fight proceeds under additional testing.
Dalton Smith — No injuries or health concerns noted. Smith has been active and injury-free in recent camps.
Fighter Matchups and Profiles
This orthodox-vs-orthodox super lightweight title fight contrasts Matias’ high-volume, body-attacking pressure with Smith’s sharper, more precise counterpunching and movement. Matias holds edges in height (5’8″ vs. 5’9″) and reach (71.5″ vs. unreported, but similar), favoring his inside warfare, while Smith’s speed could exploit gaps in Matias’ aggressive style.
Subriel Matias (23-2-0, 22 KOs):
Background → 33-year-old orthodox fighter from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, nicknamed “El Orgullo de Maternillo.” Known for ferocious pressure, body punching, and one of the highest KO rates in boxing (96%), Matias is a fan-favorite destroyer who overwhelms opponents.
Notable Achievements → Two-time world champion (current WBC super lightweight titlist since July 2025; former IBF holder 2023-2024); notable wins include Jeremias Ponce (RTD 5) and Shohjahon Ergashev (RTD 6).
Dalton Smith (18-0-0, 13 KOs):
Background → 28-year-old orthodox fighter from Sheffield, England, nicknamed “Thunder.” A former standout amateur, Smith is a skilled boxer-puncher with sharp combinations, good power (72% KO rate), and ring IQ, rising steadily through domestic and regional titles.
Notable Achievements → Former British, Commonwealth, and European super lightweight champion; wins over Jose Zepeda (KO 5) and Mathieu Germain (UD 12).
Recent Form
Matias enters off a gritty title win, while Smith remains unbeaten with dominant performances against solid opposition.
Subriel Matias’s Recent 5 Fights:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Jul 2025 | Alberto Puello | Win | MD 12 (won WBC title) |
| Jun 2024 | Liam Paro | Loss | UD 12 (lost IBF title) |
| Nov 2023 | Shohjahon Ergashev | Win | RTD 6 |
| Feb 2023 | Jeremias Ponce | Win | RTD 5 (won vacant IBF title) |
| Jan 2022 | Petros Ananyan | Win | RTD 9 (rematch) |
Matias is 4-1 in his last five, with his only loss to the slick Paro; his title win over Puello showcased resilience in a decision victory.
Dalton Smith’s Recent 5 Fights:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Apr 2025 | Mathieu Germain | Win | UD 12 |
| Jan 2025 | Walid Ouizza | Win | TKO 1 (won European title) |
| Mar 2024 | Jose Zepeda | Win | KO 5 |
| Nov 2022 | Kaisee Benjamin | Win | UD 12 (won British title) |
| Jul 2022 | Sam Maxwell | Win | KO 7 |
Smith is 5-0 in his last five, blending stoppages and decisions against escalating competition.
Fight History
Head-to-Head: First meeting; no common opponents of note.
FIGHT ODDS
Subriel Matias – 160
Dalton Smith + 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2025
