In a thrilling showdown in New York, British boxer Dalton Smith seized the WBC light-welterweight title from Subriel Matias with an electrifying knockout in the fifth round.

The 28-year-old fighter from Sheffield delivered a powerful right hook that sent the Puerto Rican champion tumbling to the canvas at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Sunday. The referee promptly stopped the match as Matias struggled to regain his footing.

Despite Matias’s efforts to rise, the damage was undeniable, and Smith’s triumph was declared. This victory places Smith among the esteemed ranks of British boxers who have secured their first world title on American soil.

Initially, Matias seemed to have the upper hand, but Smith’s determination shone through as he unleashed a series of heavy punches. By the fifth round, both fighters were exchanging significant blows, but Smith’s two consecutive powerful strikes proved decisive, bringing Matias down and sealing the win.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve been the underdog and the first time I’ve faced a monster,” Smith remarked.

Dalton Smith sent Subriel Matias crashing to the canvas with a huge fifth-round right hook

Sheffield-born Smith won the WBC light-welterweight title in sensational fashion in New York

‘Take nothing away from Subriel – he’s a great champion. I didn’t really stick to the tactics tonight. I played him at his own game.

‘I gave my dad a bit of a heart attack in there as that wasn’t the gameplan, but I took all his best shots and thought “you can’t hurt me”. I knew I’d get to him.’   

Smith’s victory makes him the fifth British current world title holder, joining heavyweight Fabio Wardley, welterweight Lewis Crocker, super-featherweight Jazza Dickens and featherweight Nick Ball.

By winning his first world title in the US, Smith also sits alongside Bob Fitzsimmons, Alan Minter, Lloyd Honeyghan, Nigel Benn, Darren Barker, James DeGale and Kell Brook, all of whom achieved that feat.

‘This is a message to every kid out there. Do not let anybody tell you can’t achieve your dreams because if you work hard, you can do it,’ Smith, who remains unbeaten, continued.

The 28-year-old then headed straight for McMahon’s Public House, an Irish bar just yards away from the Barclays Center, where he has been celebrating with the British fans who had travelled to see him. 

Videos shared by Matchroom Boxing show Smith pouring and drinking a pint of Guinness behind the bar while being serenaded by chants of ‘Champione, Champione, Ole, Ole Ole.’

He could also be seen leading chants of ‘Walking in a Dalton wonderland’ as he clutched his Union flag in the pub. 

Smith celebrated by drinking Guinness with fans in McMahon’s Public House in New York

Smith (right) was also seen with his team leading chants of ‘Walking in a Dalton wonderland’

Promoter Eddie Hearn sparked controversy in the build-up as he warned ‘justice shall be served’ in comments thought to be about Matias testing positive for the banned substance ostarine in November.

However, the New York State Athletic Commission ruled that the concentration detected was below the threshold used by major boxing jurisdictions, allowing the fight to go ahead.

But Hearn’s post-match comments were all about Smith, whose victory could see him in line for a major homecoming.

‘Smith has announced himself as the light-welterweight superstar,’ Hearn said.

‘Now, fighting at Hillsbrough is a reality.’