Matchroom Boxing return to the Steel City of Sheffield as hometown fighter Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda headlines the show. There’s a World championship bout on the undercard alongside an Area title bout and two Final Eliminator contests. The action takes place this weekend on DAZN.
Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda
British Champion Dalton Smith (15-0) is making the step up to world level when he faces American Jose Zepeda. Smith is coming off a potential KO of the year in 2023 when he faced Sam Maxwell, although Dalton Smith also sustained cuts above both his eyes during the bout. The win over Maxwell granted Dalton Smith the British title outright, and his promoter Eddie Hearn said he would move onto world level afterwards. Dalton Smith’s next fight certainly is a step up in opposition.
Dalton Smith’s next opponent Jose Zepeda (37-4) has lost two of his last three contests to Regis Prograis and Richardson Hitchins, having been soundly beaten in both contests. He holds a 37-4 record and fits the brief for fringe world title contender, having fought and lost on 3 occasions for the championship. Zepeda was defeated by Regis Prograis, Jose Ramirez and Terry Flanagan all for variations of the World title.
Rest of the Card
Terri Harper vs Sandy Ryan is set to act as the chief support for Smith vs Zepeda. The all British clash will see Terri Harper step down in weight from Super Welterweight to challenge Ryan for her WBO Welterweight title. Both Ryan and Harper are coming off draws in Unification contests against Jessica McCaskill and Cecilia Braekhus respectively.
The undercard will see James Flint vs Campbell Hatton for the Area title. Undefeated Campbell Hatton is challenging for his first championship. Ishmael Davis vs Troy Williamson will also feature on the TV card.
Liam Cameron (22-5) was added to the card at late notice. Cameron is Sheffield-based and has fought twice for GBM Sports since returning from a 4-year ban for cocaine use.
Two undercard bouts were made as British title Eliminator’s in the build-up to the event. The winners of the bouts will be granted British title opportunities at a later date.
📅Dates📅
Matchroom Boxing’s Sheffield show Smith vs Zepeda takes place on 23 March 2024.
⏰Start Times⏰
Before the Bell featuring the early undercard begins at 5:15 p.m UK time. 1:15 p.m USA/ET.
The main card starts at 7:00 p.m UK time. 3:00 p.m USA/ET.
The main event is expected to ringwalk around 10:00 p.m UK time. 6:00 p.m USA/ET.
🏟️Venue🏟️
The event is being held in Sheffield England at the Utilita Arena.
Dalton Smith previously defeated Sam Maxwell in his last bout at the Utilita Arena. Smith also defeated Sam O’maison in Sheffield in 2022 at the same venue.
Terri Harper picked up a draw against Cecilia Braekhus at this venue in her last bout on the undercard of Wood vs Warrington.
📺Broadcasters📺
Dalton Smith vs Zepeda is being aired exclusively on DAZN.
The early undercard action Before the Bell is available on YouTube and DAZN.
🥊Undercard🥊
Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda
(Vacant) WBC Silver Super Lightweight title
Sandy Ryan vs Terri Harper
(Ryan) World WBO Welterweight title
James Flint vs Campbell Hatton
(Flint) Central Area Super Lightweight title
Ishmael Davis vs Troy Williamson
British Super Welterweight title Eliminator
Emmanuel Buttgieg vs Bartlomiej Stryczek
Connan Murray vs Edgar Kemsy
Nico Leivars vs Piotr Mirga
English Super Bantamweight title Eliminator
Liam Cameron vs Hussein Itaba
❌Cancellations❌
Jeff Ofori vs Calum French is cancelled. The rematch had been set before injury to Calum French scuppered the bout.
Connan Murray vs CJ Wood was originally listed. Giorgio Visioli vs TBA was also listed.
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