Dalton Smith Aims For Title Shot Against Mathieu Germain

Dalton Smith is set to showcase his boxing prowess as he prepares for a pivotal bout against Mathieu Germain at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The 27-year-old Sheffield native, who has already claimed the British, Commonwealth, and European crowns, is on the cusp of a world title shot and is determined to keep his undefeated record intact.

Smith, ranked as the number one challenger to WBC light-welterweight champion Alberto Puello, knows that a victory over Germain would not only extend his record to 18-0 but also virtually guarantee him a shot at the title before Christmas 2025. This fight is crucial for Smith, who has made significant sacrifices in his life to pursue his boxing dreams.

"Boxing is a sport that completely takes over your identity. I've been doing it since I was six and I'm labelled as a fighter," Smith explained in the lead-up to the fight. He acknowledges the personal toll that boxing has taken on his life, particularly on his relationship with his father and trainer, Grant Smith. "I won't have my dad as just my dad until the day I retire. We can't have the kind of relationship we'd love to have until I stop fighting. We can't view ourselves as father and son. We have to see ourselves as boxer and coach because I'm a fighter, I'm a warrior, and I have to prepare to go to war. It's not easy. It's far from easy in fact, but I wouldn't have it any other way because being a fighter has given me the kind of opportunities that I'd never have been able to have in another career," he added.

Smith's comments reflect the emotional complexity of his journey in boxing. He describes the sport as "the loneliest sport of all," but insists that his experiences have also forged a deep bond with his father. "It shows the love we share that we're prepared to park being father and son, in the way other people might view that, until I give up. Actually, because of the position we're in, I look at us as more than just father and son," he said.

As he prepares for the fight, Smith is coming off a dominant performance in January, where he returned to the ring after nearly a year out due to injury. He celebrated his comeback by demolishing Walid Ouizza in the first round, a victory that showcased his skills and determination. Meanwhile, Germain, a seasoned Canadian fighter, also enters the bout with momentum, having secured a knockout victory over Carlos Daniel Aquino earlier this year.

Smith is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead. "Mathieu Germain is a solid opponent, ranked 11 with the IBF. He’s no knock-over job by no means. It’s a fight I’ve got to be switched on for. I’ve got to make a statement to move towards that world title," Smith stated confidently.

As the fight approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement. The main card of the event is set to begin at around 7 PM BST, with Smith and Germain expected to make their ring walks around 10 PM BST. The fight itself is scheduled to start shortly after 10:20 PM BST. Fans can catch all the action live on DAZN, a popular streaming service.

In addition to the Smith vs Germain main event, the undercard features several intriguing matchups, including Josh Warrington taking on Asad Asif Khan, and Ryan Kelly facing Caoimhin Agyarko. The atmosphere at the Canon Medical Arena is expected to be electric as Smith aims to deliver another knockout performance in front of his loyal supporters.

As the countdown to fight night continues, the stakes couldn't be higher for Dalton Smith. With the opportunity to further his career and inch closer to a world title, he is determined to leave it all in the ring. "I’ve got full trust in my dad. Absolute trust. He knows me better than anyone," Smith remarked, emphasizing the importance of their relationship both inside and outside the boxing ring.

With the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, Smith is ready to prove that his sacrifices have not been in vain. As he steps into the ring against Germain, fans will be watching closely to see if he can maintain his unbeaten record and secure his place as a top contender in the super lightweight division. Can Smith send his loyal support home happy, or will Germain pull off the upset?