STAR BOXING PREVIEW: Dalton Smith v Jose Zepeda

Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith will face the biggest test of his professional career this weekend as he takes on former world title challenger Jose Zepeda in Sheffield, writes JORDAN NEILD.

Smith is a product of the Steel City and will be hoping a packed Sheffield Arena can help him over the line on the biggest night of his professional career.

Training under the watchful eye of his father Grant, Smith has done everything asked of him so far as a professional. In 15 fights, he has claimed British and Commonwealth titles and he already looks a couple of steps beyond domestic level. He has also registered 11 knockouts in his 15 wins which suggests he has the power to mix it at world championship level.

The fact Smith has blazed through the apprenticeship stage of his career is no surprise as he was a top level amateur and represented Great Britain at several major tournaments but this step up against Zepeda represents a whole new challenge and he will need to prove he can make the necessary adjustments against an experienced and motivated opponent.

Hailing from California, Zepeda is now a 41-fight professional veteran and he has challenged for a world title on three separate occasions. He has fell short each time but that is no slight on him, he has always given a great account of himself and his only legitimate stoppage was against Regis Prograis who is one of the most destructive punchers in the 140lb division.

Frustratingly for Zepeda, he is now in a position were young up and coming fighters like Smith view him as a scalp and they know a victory over someone with his reputation will only enhance their world title credentials but it’s a role he is willing to take on and he is the type of fighter that will upset the odds given the chance.

This is an interesting fight and the atmosphere will be tense in the Sheffield Arena. Boxing fans in Sheffield have seen many champions in the past and they are a knowledgeable fan base that will respect the dangers of Jose Zepeda. Dalton Smith will rightly have nerves but he can shine this weekend.

As always, Jose Zepeda will give a respectable account of himself but ‘Thunder’ should have the class to seal victory via the judges’ scorecards.

The undercard features several intriguing fights but the super welterweight clash between Ishmael Davis and Troy Williamson is the one that jumps of the page. Davis (12-0 6KO) is a local undefeated prospect and this is a big step-up for him against former British champion Troy Williamson.

In recent years, Williamson has been involved in some fight of the year contenders against the likes of Mason Cartwright and Ted Cheeseman and he is a fighter that is guaranteed entertainment. Surprisingly, he came in 4lbs overweight for this contest and that’s out of character for him as he has always been regarded as a consummate professional.

This is a 50/50 fight and the weight miss would be a worry for Troy Williamson but he is a tough competitor and by far the best fighter Ismael Davis has ever fought. Surprisingly, the former British champion starts this fight as an underdog and when you consider he is stepping down in competition, he is worth keeping onside this weekend.

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BACK Dalton Smith to win by decision 2pts at 1/1 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)
BACK Troy Williamson to win 1pt at 9/4 (⭐ ? CLICK TO BET NOW)

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