Eddie Hearn Observes a Changed Dalton Smith After Matias
Right from the beginning, Smith consistently tied up Matias, interrupting his rhythm and cutting exchanges short before they developed further. He would land punches, step in, and clinch repeatedly. This was the same tactic that had baffled Matias previously, and once more, Matias found it difficult to adapt. When given the chance, Matias connected powerfully and cleanly, snapping Smith’s head back and reminding all why he has earned his reputation. Those instances were genuine. They were also fleeting.
Hearn commended Smith for realizing that boxing from a distance would not be effective, opting to engage instead. However, that explanation doesn’t fully align with the events that transpired. Smith did trade punches at times, but he never lingered too long. The strategy was straightforward and successful: hit, hold, reset, repeat.
“No one has accomplished what Smith did to Matias,” Hearn remarked afterward, applauding both the knockdown and the fight’s conclusion. That assertion stands. Matias had never experienced a stoppage before, and Smith took something significant from him that evening. However, the leap Hearn made following that is more ambitious.
“You think about Darren Barker against Daniel Geale, Kell Brook against Shawn Porter, honestly, that surpasses everything – that’s the finest away victory I’ve ever witnessed,” Hearn stated. “Dalton is a hero. You must box with Matias, as seen with Liam Paro, but Matias was exceptional tonight, he was on fire, and didn’t allow Dalton to box.
“So Dalton opted to fight Matias on his own turf, which is the worst strategy you can employ – he’s never been hurt, he’s never been down – and he overwhelmed him, putting him down, in New York to emerge as the latest British World Champion. This kid is a hero, and a new superstar has arrived in boxing, and that’s Dalton Smith.”
Labeling Smith a superstar following one controlled but inconsistent title fight displays the promoter’s confidence in fulfilling its role. Smith exhibited that he could implement a challenging plan under stress. He also demonstrated that his margin against top pressure fighters diminishes when the clinch isn’t utilized to slow the pace.
Hearn’s excitement is justifiable. His fighter secured a world title under challenging circumstances.
“We were aware Dalton was a star, but to achieve that on the world stage in New York and in such a manner. People were discussing this fight, that fight, Adam Azim and others, but Dalton Smith stepped up to the boogeyman, confronted him head-on in New York, and stopped Subriel Matias to become the World Champion – give him the respect he deserves.”
The performance itself appeared more like a precise response to a specific competitor, and Smith’s upcoming challenge will reveal more than any accolades offered post-fight.
Olly Campbell has been reporting on boxing since 2014, providing readers with a clear ringside view and insightful analysis on many significant nights in the sport. His work emphasizes fighter behaviors, corner strategies, and the technical aspects that influence high-level contests. Throughout the years, Olly has covered major events in Las Vegas, New York, London, and the UK boxing scene, establishing a reputation for balanced, detail-oriented reporting.
Published: 2026-01-11 06:44:00
source: www.boxingnews24.com
