DALTON Smith sent out a reminder to potential future opponents after thumping an outclassed Walid Ouizza in the first round of their Nottingham Arena headliner. Smith became the new European super-lightweight champion and laid out his plans to become a WBC champion.
Looking sharp and focused from the off, Dalton set about exposing Ouizza’s ponderous hands and noticeable lack of speed. Ouizza was dropped hard and heavy at the close of the first round. Smith unleashed shots from both hands that left Ouizza down, flustered and shaking his head on the rise.
Thinking he might just about make it out of the round, Ouizza walked on to a follow-up left hook that sent him on his back and out, crowning the new 140-pound king of a continent. The official time was recorded at 3-00. Referee Jon Llona Fernandez was busy waving it off as the towel also appeared.
“I work hard. Nobody’s going to blow smoke up my arse in our gym,” said Smith.
“See this WBC belt, it’s silver, I want to turn it into a gold. I’m ranked number two at the minute by the WBC. Shout out to Mauricio, I want to be a part of the WBC family.”
Smith went on to reluctantly namecheck Devin Haney and the winner of Albert Puello versus Sandor Martin. Regis Prograis’ name was also mentioned.
“Regis is one hell of a fighter, but my main aim is…I want a WBC title.”
Promoter Frank Smith added: “Dalton’s not the kind of person who’s going to call them [the champions] out. There is so much activity at the minute. So many fights to be made. This man here will fight any of them.”
