Joe Hayden thriving as Dalton Smith's Alberto Puello stand-in
Joe Hayden has been helping Dalton Smith in the world champion’s preparations for Alberto Puello
Sheffield's world champion Dalton Smith didn't have to look far to find a sparring partner to take on the role of challenger Alberto Puello.
He has been trading punches with South Yorkshire southpaw Joe Hayden as part of his preparation.
And it has gone so well that Smith, 29, wants him back for two 10-round spars before his Sheffield Arena defence.
It takes a special kind of talent and endurance to stay in the ring with Smith for long.
And the unbeaten 26-year-old from Wadworth, Doncaster, has loved the opportunity to show what he has in his locker.
"We have now done two six rounders in the last couple of weeks. It is a great experience for me. They were really good rounds.
"He is a proven world class fighter - he has THE world title you want (WBC) and I had to box to the best of my abilities in there and to a game plan. I did my thing and give him some very good rounds.
"He is in very good shape, but then he always is" said Hayden, (24-0-0.) "We are similar in that we are always very professional and always in training and in the gym.
"We have similar mindsets, we have had a few good conversations, we don't focus too much on our opponents but on ourselves. We have to be the best versions of our ourselves."
He said he has watched Puello on video and was happy to try and emulate the style of a long, awkward southpaw.
He said he hoped that was a key part of Dalton's training.
"Dalton is having a couple of weeks away sparring elsewhere. I have been invited back to do two 10-rounders towards the back end of camp, so I must have done alright."
Hayden is confident the Matchroom man will prevail on the night.
"I think Dalton will win, 100 per cent. He is a special talent and the way he approaches everything would take a lot of beating. And I can't see him losing on October 24.
"He is very strong, a heavy-handed puncher, a really good boxer and sharp. He caught me with a couple of shots which soon made me realise I had to tighten up!"
Hayden is on Smith's undercard next month, taking on York welterweight Will Harrison.
While he believes he has boxed two other opponents with better records, he is training hard to make his mentor Dave Allen proud.
"Some people hate being in camp, I love it, but it is my favourite place to be!
"I am confident, I think I will be too good for him. I am too fit and too skilful. I am hoping to get him out of there, to be honest.
"I like getting the rounds in and eight rounds will suit my work rate.
"He is quite tough and durable and when I've seen him he has a good work rate, too.
"But I have improved my skills, my mindset is good, I am injury-free, I don't get hyped up, I just take it all in my stride. I enjoy it. I turn up and do a job."