Britain's Smith retains title in split-decision win over Puello

Britain's Dalton Smith defends his WBC light-welterweight world title with a split-decision victory over Alberto Puello in a triumphant homecoming in Sheffield. Britain's Dalton Smith defended his WBC light-welterweight world title with a split-decision victory over Alberto Puello in a triumphant homecoming in Sheffield. The 29-year-old extended his unbeaten professional record in a high-class tactical contest at the Utilita Arena, with both fighters displaying sharp counter-punching skills. The result hung in the balance as the judges' scorecards were read out, with victory for either man or a draw seemingly possible. But Smith edged it, with two judges scoring the contest 115-113 in his favour and the third awarding it 116-112 to Dominican fighter Puello.

It was Smith's first title defence after his stunning fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias in Brooklyn in January. "We knew it wasn't going to be a show, he was going to be an awkward opponent, but a champion has to do what he has to do," Smith said post-fight. "These are the best in the world and I'm proving why I'm number one now." The Sheffield fighter passes another stern test against two-time world champion Puello to extend his record to 20 wins. With his mandatory challenger out of the way, Smith keeps his dream of headlining Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium alive and will target some