Tim Bradley predicts a knockout victory for Subriel Matias over Dalton Smith, stating, 'He'll chop him up.'
The history of British fighters winning world titles on American soil is a long and proud one, dating back over a century. From the legendary Ted 'Kid' Lewis to the iconic Alan Minter and Lloyd Honeyghan, and more recently, Lennox Lewis, Kell Brook, and Darren Barker, the list of British champions is impressive. Adding to this legacy, Tyson Fury captured the WBC heavyweight title in Las Vegas five years ago, defeating Deontay Wilder.
This Saturday, another British challenger, Dalton Smith, will step into the ring at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, aiming to become the latest addition to this exclusive group. The WBC super-lightweight title will be on the line as Smith faces the formidable Puerto Rican puncher, Subriel Matias, who boasts an impressive record of 23-2 with 22 knockouts.
Matias' aggressive and relentless style, coupled with his appetite for toe-to-toe combat, presents a significant challenge for Smith. The bout marks a pivotal moment in Smith's career, as he faces the biggest test of his professional journey.
Tim Bradley, a former WBC super-lightweight champion, understands the demands of winning that belt. At 42, he is a respected pundit on his YouTube channel, offering insights after his role as an analyst on Top Rank broadcasts for ESPN. Bradley has shared his thoughts on the Matias-Smith showdown, expressing confidence in Matias' ability to dominate.
'Dalton Smith is about to get his ass chopped the hell up,' Bradley said. 'You know who he's fighting? He hasn't faced anyone of this caliber. It's an opportunity to prove he's at that level, but I don't think he's there yet.'
Bradley further questioned the quality of opposition Smith has faced, suggesting that his previous opponents in England were not challenging enough.
'Dalton Smith is a good counterpuncher with a strong right hand and left hook,' Bradley explained. 'However, he's been fighting bums in England. They don't bring the heat. He hasn't been in the ring with a real puncher who can teach him the pain he'll experience when Matias brings the pressure.'
Bradley's prediction is clear: 'Matias is one of those guys who will mow you down. This fight won't go the distance.'
The fight has not been without controversy. Matias faced criticism for an adverse analytical finding in a VADA drugs test, which was ruled as a result of contaminated supplements. The WBC placed Matias on probation and allowed the fight to proceed.
Adding to the controversy, UK fans are required to pay £41.95 to watch the fight via PPV.com, while Smith's promoter, Matchroom, initially intended to air the bout on DAZN as part of its standard monthly subscription. However, Eddie Hearn's Matchroom was outbid by Matias' promoter, Fresh Productions.
Despite the surrounding noise, Smith remains focused on the task at hand. The challenge of joining Britain's elite group of world champions crowned in America awaits, and he must rise to the occasion in the most difficult way possible.
