Thunder forecast for October - Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello rescheduled

Dalton Smith and Alberto Puello could test their steel in Sheffield this October

What was expected to be one of the biggest boxing events of the summer in the UK may finally have a new date.

WBC super-lightweight champion Dalton 'Thunder' Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) was scheduled to make the first defence of his green and gold belt on June 6 in Sheffield, England, against former world champion Alberto Puello of the Dominican Republic.

The event, however, suffered a major setback in late April when 29-year-old Smith sustained an injury during training camp, forcing the postponement of the anticipated world title bout. As a result, the fight between Ricardo Sandoval and Galal Yafai was elevated to the main event. However, weeks later, Briton Yafai also suffered an injury, leading to the postponement of the entire card.

Now, several reports suggest that the Smith-Puello showdown could take place on October 24 at the same venue, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena. At this time, no official announcement has been made, so the date should be viewed only as a possibility while efforts continue to reschedule the show.

If finalised, Sheffield's Smith will look to make the first defense of his crown against a highly experienced opponent in Puello, who already knows what it means to wear the WBC’s iconic green and gold strap. The card could also bring back several of the championship bouts that were originally scheduled for June, sucah as Yafai-Sandoval.

DID YOU KNOW? Dalton is trained by his father, Grant Smith. who told him to pick between football or boxing when he was a kid. Dalton's favourite fighter is Joe Calzaghe because he feels a strong connection with the father-son team.