AFTER losing his title to Subriel Matias via majority-decision, Alberto Puello seems to be out in the cold. However, he is now attempting to intervene on Matias’ plans to face Dalton Smith.
Puello, 24-1 (10 KOs), was upgraded to full WBC super-lightweight world champion last June but did not make a defence of the belt for nine months until March when he beat mandatory challenger Sandor Martin by split decision.
Last month, Puello appeared again, but this time lost his belt to Subriel Matias, 23-2 (22 KOs), in a majority-decision defeat on the Berlanga-Sheeraz card in New York, despite many fans believing he had done enough to retain the title.
Following the decision, Turki Alalshikh brought Matias together with Sheffield’s Dalton Smith, 18-0 (13 KOs), the current WBC mandatory challenger, all but confirming a meeting on the November 22 Riyadh Season card headlined by David Benavidez v Anthony Yarde card.
Yet, Puello’s trainer Ismael Salas has since confirmed to Boxing News that the Dominican Republican 140lber has a “contracted” rematch clause and that he intends to activate it, potentially disrupting Smith’s planned world title shot.
However, on X, Puello fumed that the WBC are currently ‘obstructing the execution’ of his rematch clause, in favour of Smith’s mandated challenge, despite Puello fulfilling the WBC mandatory just five months prior.
“I gave Matias the opportunity [to fight] for the World Title.
“I am convinced that I won the fight, although the judges scored it differently. We have a rematch clause, but they are obstructing its execution.
“I remind Mauricio Sulaiman [WBC President] that I recently complied with the mandatory requirement.”
Whether against Smith or Puello, Matias’ attempted first defence of the WBC super-lightweight crown could become the fifth world title bout on what looks poised to be one of the standout cards of 2025.
