Dalton Smith will be the first of many Yorkshire boxing stars to fight in the New Year
Undefeated Dalton Smith kicks off the New Year with a world title fight, which will be the first outing of a busy schedule in 2026 for Yorkshire boxing stars.
Dalton Smith vs Subriel Matias
The undefeated Sheffield superstar Dalton ‘Thunder’ Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) challenges WBC world super-lightweight champion Subriel Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) at the Barclays Centre, Brooklyn, New York on January 10.
Smith wants to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Sheffield world titleholders Kell Brook, Naseem Hamed, Junior Witter, Johnny Nelson and Clinton Woods.
It’s a significant step up in quality for Smith, but the 28-year-old has been knocking at the door for some time now and has more than earned his chance at the green and gold title as the WBC #1.
Smith reached pole position by claiming the WBC Silver super-lightweight title against Jose Zepeda in March 2024 and defending the belt twice successfully.
The 33-year-old defending champion from Puerto Rico won his world title in his last fight wit Alberto Puello in July 2025. He won via mixed decision, the only victory of his 10-year pro career to go the distance after previously scoring all 22 of his wins via KO.
Shakiel Thompson vs Brad Pauls
Another top-class, unblemished Sheffield boxer, Shakiel Thompson (15-0, 11 KOs), fights on a Queensberry Promotions card in Manchester on January 24, against Newquay’s Brad Pauls. Boxing is far from the only draw in either city, and readers who spend evenings at the greyhound track can compare operators in our guide to greyhound betting sites.
The middleweights will clash over 10 rounds on the undercard of Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin, live on DAZN.
Aadam Hamed vs TBA
Primce Naseem Hamed’s son Aadam (6-0, 3 KOs) is on the same January 24 bill too. His opponent is yet to be named.
The Sheffield southpaw has won all six fights since his debut in August 2023, as the 25-year-old aims to follow in his famous father’s footsteps.
Lewis Booth vs TBA
Doncaster super-welterweight Lewis ‘2 Smooth’ Booth (17-3) is on a show at the Metrodome, Barnsley on January 31.
The 29-year-old lost two from three during 2025, missing out on the Central Area welterweight title in his last outing, so he will be looking for a solid win to kickstart his 2026 campaign.
Kell Brook vs Eisa Al Dah
Kell Brook, who is also scheduled to fight early this year. Brook plans to honour the late Ricky Hatton by taking his place in Dubai, on February 13, against Eisa Al Dah, in an event called “Destiny in the Desert”.
It will be Brook’s first return to the ring sine retiring in 2022.
Dave Allen vs TBA
On February 21, Doncaster’s ‘White Rhino’ Dave Allen (24-8-2, 19 KOs) resumes his heavyweight career at the Nottingham Arena, live on DAZN, which will be the first fight since his brave defeat to Arslanbek Makhmudov in Sheffield Arena in November.
33-yearold heavyweight Allen will appear on the Leigh Wood vs Josh Warrington 2 bill.
Junaid Bostan vs TBA
Rotherham’s exciting super-welterweight talent Junaid Bostan (10-1-1, 8 KOs) is also on the same card as Allen, hoping for a better year than 2025 turned out to be.
The ‘Star Boy’ failed to secure a win in 2025, with his first fight for the English super-welterweight title against Bilal Fawaz last January ending in a draw, and their October rematch just edging the other way via mixed decision.
Ebanie Bridges vs Alexis Araiza Mones
The Australian, who has now set up home in Sheffield with partner Kell Brook, will actually be the first boxer from South Yorkshire to kick off the fight calendar for 2026, as she is set to fight on January 3 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The former IBF world bantamweight champion will clash with American Alexis Araiza Mones (3-2-1, 1 KO) on the undercard of Amanda Serrano vs Reina Tellez.
