The WBC enforced this defense with no delay. Puello is the sanctioned challenger, so Smith has no voluntary option in his first outing as champion. The winner holds the WBC position in a division with Subriel Matias still near the front of the queue.
Smith, 19-0 with 14 knockouts, took the belt in January with a fifth-round stoppage of Matias in Brooklyn. He handled pressure, picked his spots, and forced the stoppage once he had Matias hurt.
Puello, 24-1 with 10 knockouts, is a southpaw who looks to offset timing and force adjustments. He changes angles, keeps his lead hand busy, and tries to break rhythm before letting his shots go. Smith will need to set his feet at the right moments, keep his balance, and not reach in against the left-handed stance.
Smith said, “It’s straight into a mandatory defence so you expect world class opponents. There’s no denying Puello’s a top boxer. He’s a two-time champion for a reason.”
“Puello’s an awkward southpaw, but it’s well known I love that style. It’ll be a big performance from me in my homecoming.
“New York was a trip of a lifetime, but now it’s about bringing big World Title fights to Sheffield and it’s great to start my reign as champion back at the Utilita Arena,” said Smith.
Puello said, “I’m looking forward to becoming a three-time World Champion and making history in the United Kingdom.”
Smith’s next step depends on clearing the mandatory. A win keeps him in position for bigger fights with names already in the title mix. Puello’s route is direct. Win the belt and he returns to the top of the division.
The fight headlines at Utilita Arena Sheffield and streams on DAZN.
The WBC title stays active with the mandatory enforced. The winner keeps the belt and remains part of the immediate title rotation at 140 pounds.
