In a thrilling night of boxing at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, England, Dalton Smith defended his WBC ‘Silver’ super lightweight title against veteran Mathieu Germain on April 19, 2025. The fight was broadcast live on DAZN, showcasing the rising star Smith, who entered the ring with an impressive record of 17 wins and no losses, including 13 knockouts.
Smith, a 28-year-old local favorite, was looking to extend his unbeaten streak against the experienced Germain, a 35-year-old Canadian with a record of 26 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. Germain was fighting for the second time this year, having returned to the ring after a 10-month layoff. He previously scored a first-round knockout against Walid Ouizza on January 25, 2025, and was eager to capitalize on his momentum.
The anticipation for the main event was palpable, especially given that both fighters were vying for a shot at a world title. Smith's knockout ratio and power were significant factors as he stepped into the ring, with many pundits considering him the favorite, boasting odds of 1/2, while Germain was seen as the underdog at 7/1.
As the fight began, Smith's strategy was clear: utilize his speed and power to dominate the exchanges. The first round saw both fighters cautiously probing each other, but it was Smith who began to find his rhythm, landing sharp jabs and powerful combinations. By the end of the second round, Smith made his mark, delivering a stunning left hook that sent Germain to the canvas, marking the first knockdown of the night.
Throughout the bout, Smith showcased his boxing prowess, effectively using his reach advantage and speed to keep Germain at bay. The Canadian veteran, however, refused to back down, demonstrating resilience and experience as he attempted to counter Smith's attacks. Despite Germain's efforts, Smith maintained control, consistently landing cleaner punches and showcasing superior footwork.
In the co-main event, former featherweight champion Josh Warrington made a triumphant return to the ring against Asad Asif Khan. After suffering three straight defeats, Warrington needed a victory to regain his footing in the sport. The fight was scheduled for ten rounds at super featherweight, and Warrington did not disappoint. He dominated the bout, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 99-89, 99-90, and 97-91.
Warrington's performance was particularly impressive, as he managed to knock Khan down in the sixth round. The Indian fighter was also penalized for a point deduction after dropping his mouthpiece, further complicating his chances of victory. With this win, Warrington improved his record to 32-4-1, while Khan fell to 19-7-1.
In another notable fight on the card, Josh Padley faced Marko Cvetanovic in a lightweight clash. Padley, now fighting under the Matchroom banner, made a statement by stopping Cvetanovic in the fifth round, lifting the WBA International lightweight title in the process. Padley's record improved to 16-1, while Cvetanovic suffered his first loss, dropping to 13-1.
The evening also featured a bout between Caoimhin Agyarko and Ryan Kelly. Agyarko secured a majority decision victory, with scores reading 95-95, 97-94, and 96-94, enhancing his undefeated record to 17-0. This victory earned Agyarko the WBA Continental title at super welterweight, while Kelly's record fell to 19-6-1.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere in the arena grew electric, with fans cheering for their local hero, Smith. The main event concluded with Smith securing a dominant decision victory over Germain, solidifying his status as a top contender in the super lightweight division. The judges scored the fight 98-91, 99-90, and 98-91 in favor of Smith, who now looks ahead to potential title opportunities.
Post-fight, Smith expressed his gratitude to the fans and his team, stating, "This is just the beginning for me. I’m ready to take on anyone in the division. I want that world title shot, and I’m going to show everyone why I’m the number one mandatory for the WBC." His confidence and determination were evident as he celebrated his victory.
For Germain, the loss marked a setback in his pursuit of a world title, but he remained optimistic about his future in the sport. "I came here to win, but Dalton was the better man tonight. I’ll regroup and come back stronger," he said in his post-fight interview.
The event at the Canon Medical Arena was not just a showcase of boxing talent but a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that the sport offers. With Smith's victory, the super lightweight division is sure to see more thrilling matchups in the near future, especially as he positions himself for a world title shot.
Overall, the night was a celebration of boxing, featuring a mix of rising stars and established fighters all looking to make their mark. Fans left the arena buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating what the future holds for their favorite fighters.
