Dalton Smith still grounded as world champion

What's it like to be a world champion boxer?

Do people swoon at your feet? Or is that not how it works in the down-to-earth city of Sheffield?

Dalton Smith inteview Photo courtesy of Matchroom

placeholder image — Dalton Smith inteview Photo courtesy of Matchroom

In January, Steel City's Dalton Smith found that out, when he beat Subriel Matias in New York.

For a while the impact didn't sink in.

Dalton Smith Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

He escaped the high-intensity boxing scene for a two week holiday in Thailand, switched off from all the hype and promotional activities, and left it to others to sort out his title defence, which turns out to be Albert Puello at Sheffield Arena on June 6.

But since his historic win on the other side of the Atlantic, the boxing public of Sheffield has responded in the way he'd expected.

"I always get respected, people always show me love around Sheffield" he says.

"The difference in being a world champion is that your life just gets a little bit busier, there are more opportunities, people know your face when you are out and about.

"But they always show love. That would only change if I change as a person and I always believe I will always stay the same old Dalton Smith!"

He said he had been humbled by the scores of fans who had found the cash, post Christmas, to travel and support him at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn.

Smith is currently strengthening his ties with the Sheffield public by leading a weekly run club with members of the public every Wednesday, at Rother Valley Country Park (6:30pm, entrance near Southall estate.)

Smith's rise to the top in boxing has been a long and steady one, via the traditional route of English, British, Commonwealth, and European before landing the WBC World Super Lightweight title.

Unbeaten, he got there in 19 fights, knocking out all but four of his opponents.

It took him just seven years to reach the pinnacle - but when did he KNOW he was going to become a world champion?

Was it victories over the likes of Jose Zepeda, Sam Maxwell or Mathieu Germain?

"No," he says. "I knew way before that, in the amateurs, because of the people I have sparred with, I always knew I had got it in me, it was just having to prove it to people.

"You cannot be short of confidence in this game!"