In a thrilling main event at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield, England, WBC-ranked light welterweight contender Dalton Smith showcased his overwhelming physical presence to secure a decisive 12-round unanimous decision over IBF fringe contender Mathieu Germain. Despite being penalized for a low blow and facing an elusive opponent, Smith’s superior size and power left no doubt about the outcome of the match. Judges scored the bout 117-107, 119-105, and 119-105, reflecting Smith's dominance throughout.

Smith floored Germain three times during the fight—in rounds 2, 11, and 12—though his frustration became evident as the older fighter continuously evaded his powerful punches. Promoter Eddie Hearn’s strategic choice of Germain as an opponent raised questions about whether this matchup provided Smith with adequate preparation for future title challenges, particularly against WBC champion Alberto Puello or other top contenders like Gary Antuanne Russell and Subriel Matias.

Physical Superiority Defines Smith's Victory

Dalton Smith’s towering stature and weight advantage were undeniable factors in his triumph over Mathieu Germain. The younger contender resembled a junior middleweight competing at light welterweight, making it nearly impossible for Germain to compete effectively. Throughout the fight, Germain relied heavily on movement and holding tactics to avoid Smith’s devastating blows, which ultimately limited his ability to mount any meaningful offense.

The disparity in size was glaringly obvious from the opening bell. Smith utilized his height and reach to control the distance, forcing Germain into constant motion. In the second round, Smith landed a critical blow that sent Germain crashing to the canvas, setting the tone for what would become a relentless pursuit. By rounds 11 and 12, Smith had further exposed Germain’s vulnerabilities, dropping him twice more despite receiving a penalty for a low blow. Although Germain occasionally connected with shots, they lacked the power necessary to phase Smith, reinforcing his dominance in the ring.

Questions Arise Over Strategic Matchmaking

Eddie Hearn’s decision to pair Smith with Mathieu Germain has sparked debate among boxing enthusiasts. Critics argue that selecting such a lower-ranked opponent does little to enhance Smith’s experience or readiness for higher-stakes matchups. With potential challengers like Gary Antuanne Russell and Subriel Matias available, some question why Hearn opted for a less formidable rival instead of testing Smith’s mettle against stiffer competition.

While Smith undoubtedly demonstrated his prowess against Germain, concerns linger regarding his suitability for certain titles due to rehydration rules. For instance, pursuing the IBF 140-lb championship against Richardson Hitchins would require adhering to a strict 10-lb rehydration limit, posing significant challenges for Smith given his natural size. This raises doubts about how prepared he truly is for a title shot against elite fighters like WBC champion Alberto Puello, who possess both skill and power. Moving forward, careful consideration must be given to matchups that genuinely challenge Smith while preparing him for the pinnacle of his career—a world championship bout.