Dalton Smith became Britain’s newest world boxing champion after knocking out Subriel Mathias in the fifth round in Brooklyn to win the WBC super-lightweight title.
Smith extended his unbeaten record as a pro to 19-0 when a right cross dropped Matias of Puerto Rico and the referee called a stoppage, despite Matias trying to get to his feet.
The Sheffield fighter rocked his opponent with another right hand earlier in the same round.
Smith suffered a cut over his left eye in the fourth round that the referee ruled was from a headbutt.
Smith – who suffered a cut above his left eye during the fight – could now fight at home in Sheffield
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams”
Speaking after his huge victory at Barclays Centre, the 28-year-old said: “Look, it’s the first time in my career that I’ve been the underdog and the first time that I’ve fought a monster.
“Don’t take anything away from Soubriel – he’s a great champion. I didn’t really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his game. You can’t hurt me and I knew I was going to get to him.
“This is a message to every child. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams, because if you work hard, you can.”
“Bring on the challenges. I’m one of the best, if not the best in the division. I’m ready to mix it up with anybody.”
Smith joins compatriots Fabio Wardley (heavyweight), Lewis Crocker (welterweight), Jazz Dickens (super featherweight) and Nick Ball (featherweight) as the reigning men’s world champions.
Smith is undefeated as a professional, and his record now stands at 19-0
Hearn: Incredible future for ‘superstar’ Smith
Smith could return home, with promoter Eddie Hearn saying: “Smith has announced himself as a light heavyweight superstar. The future is incredible.”
“Now, the fights at Hillsborough (the ground of Sheffield Wednesday football club) are a reality.
Smith’s debut fight on American soil was in jeopardy after Mathias tested positive for a banned substance last November, but a month later the 33-year-old was found not guilty of breaching the drugs policy.
Matthias’ uppercuts and combinations challenged Smith early, but the Briton recovered as the deposed champion was knocked out for the first time and saw his professional record fall to 23-3.
Of Matias’ 23 wins, 22 were by knockout.