Dalton Smith to take big Sheffield following to America
Dalton Smith will have an army of Sheffield fans behind him during his world title challenge in New York on Saturday, January 10.
The South Yorkshire contender is preparing to take on Puerto Rico's champion Subriel Matias at Barclays Centre, Brooklyn.
It is an area with a big Puerto Rican community, but the voices of the Handsworth fighter's travelling fans will make themselves heard.
Smith said he was looking forward to the partisan atmosphere, as he challenges the WBC super lightweight champion for his WBC belt.
Speaking at a press conference in the Big Apple, Smith said: "I know there is a good few hundred coming over - I have got a loyal fan base back home and also Subriel's got a big Puerto Rican following, so it's going to be one hell of a night. The British and the Puerto Ricans are going to be noisy in there."
Smith seems to be in a very good place, as he awaits his chance for boxing super stardom.
"This is what dreams are made of" he said. "This is something I have worked for from when I started...this is a pinnacle of boxing.
"I am excited and on January 10 I will achieve a childhood dream."
Asked if he felt tense about the scale of the challenge ahead of him, he replied: "To be honest, I feel no pressure. It (boxing) is something I have done since six years old, and Eddie (Hearn, promoter) knows a good fighter when he sees it.
"That's his job and my job is to fight, so for me there is no pressure because I gave 100 per cent to boxing from a young age and it has got me into this position now."
Hearn went on a charm offensive at the conference, saying he loved the people of Puerto Rico and the energy he had witnessed from their fans.
"On January 10 the noise from the Puerto Rican people will be incredible...even when you lose you will still be happy!"
The Matchroom boss added: "We were pleased (with the match-up) because Subriel is a big name and a great fighter, and we believe Dalton Smith is the future of the 140lb division.
"In the UK everybody knows this (Dalton) is an incredible fighter. But we want to prove ourselves against the best.
"And that is why coming to New York, particularly to win the world title away from hom,e would be a very special occasion. The green and gold belt is every fighter's dream."
Matias accepted that there would be UK fans getting behind his opponent on the night.
He noted that the "Brits know boxing and they will be heard and seen in the Barclay Centre."
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