- Dalton Smith draws inspiration from fellow Sheffield native Kell Brook.
- Smith wants to win all the historic belts, not the 'new Mickey Mouse' one
- Smith will face his toughest opponent yet, Jose Zepeda, on March 23rd.
Dalton Smith's boxing journey is inspired by the illustrious career of fellow Sheffield native and boxing legend Kell Brook.
Smith, who grew up in the same city as Brook, was fascinated by Brook's accomplishments and admired the former IBF world welterweight champion. As a role model, I hope to follow in his footsteps and make my own mark in the sport.
Dalton exclusively told Mail Sport: “I've seen big names come through Sheffield over the years. Kell Brook is close to my generation. For him it was Bramall Lane and it was emotional to see him sell out. .
“That's where I want to get to, that's what I want to achieve. So, of course, Kel was a role model for me to look up to and achieve what he achieved. Sheffield is my home town. It means a lot to me and some great fighters have come out of this. I want to be one of the big names to come out of there.”
Inspired by Brook's career, Smith is driven by a dual ambition to take part in thrilling battles on the grandest stage and to carve his name alongside the sport's most revered champions. He says he is.
Like Brook, Smith understands the importance of competing in big games that capture the imaginations of fans around the world, but he also places an emphasis on respecting the tradition of the sport and paying homage to those who came before him. He claims to have put it there.
He believes that each belt, whether it is the WBC, WBA, IBF or WBO title, is the pinnacle of achievement and a symbol of excellence that is testament to years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. ing.
Dalton said: “Since I was young, I've watched great players like Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton go down the traditional path. title.
“I've always looked back at my career and looked at my trophy cabinet and said I'd love to have all the belts that have been around for years. You don't need a Mickey Mouse belt if you're new to boxing. I would like to look back on history and think that I was right in winning. There are two things I have to get now: Europe and Worlds.
“That being said, belts are good, of course. But they just collect dust. When you fight, people always remember you. So I want a big one that stays in people's memory. I want to be in the fight. Like you said, it's a fight where grudges are aligned and people want to see.
“Throughout my career, every time there's a big match that people want to see, they're the ones I want to go after as well. It would be great to win all the belts and like I said, I want to get all the real belts in boxing, but of course it's important what you finish boxing with.
“What's in your bank account, what are your financial preparations for post-career? That's the biggest battle. The big names. So that's what I'm always going to pursue.”
Dalton believes he is ready to take the next step in his journey and said his fight against Jose Zepeda on March 23 represents a key moment in his career that will move him forward.
For Smith, this fight is an opportunity to prove himself against top-level competition and solidify his status as a rising star in boxing.
Boasting an undefeated record and impressive winning record, Smith steps into the ring with confidence and determination, ready to showcase his skills against a formidable opponent.
“I definitely have to go in there and perform and prove to people that I belong at the top level. I chose this fight. I believe this is a fight where I can give a great performance.
“I believe it will move me up the rankings and get me into world title eliminators and bigger matches.” But like you said, it's one fight at a time. We have to perform well here. With the big names in the 140 division, you have to prove to people that you belong. ”
He went on to add, “This is definitely a step up in my career.” I think he's a great opponent. I've always said, every time I step up, my game steps up too. That's it. To move up the ranks, you need to bring something new to the table.
“When you step up, it lights even more fire in your belly. It makes you train harder. It brings out the best in you. So, yeah, it definitely gives you the hunger to move forward. Masu.
On the other side of the ring stands Zepeda, a veteran with years of experience in the sport. Known for his technical ability and relentless pressure, Zepeda will be a formidable challenge for Smith. But will he miss this 27-year-old?
“I hope he misses me,” Smith laughed. “But he obviously watches my matches and knows I'm good. He's been in far higher profile matches than this, but when the bell rings , I'll find myself in the ring with one of the best fighters I've ever faced. We'll see, but I hope he underestimates me.”
In the lead-up to the match, both Smith and Zepeda have been training hard in the gym, fine-tuning their game plans for the Sheffield showdown.
But Dalton, who spent time training with one of Zepeda's coaches, Manny Robles, during a trip to the United States late last year, could have an advantage heading into the fight.
Asked about his time with Robles, Smith said, “I didn't know he was coached by Manny Robles when this fight was against Jose Zepeda.” So he was pretty funny to be fair.
“I spent some time with Manny, and Manny is a really good guy. It was a coincidence, but when the fight took place, I realized that Manny was part of his camp, So nothing was prepared there and that's just what happened.
“It's nice to see Manny during fight week, but he's on a different side of the team this time. I'll definitely go up to Manny before the fight night and say hi. He's a good guy and he's one of the best in America. He took care of me.
“We actually went to Guadalajara for the Canelo fight as well, so we spent quite a bit of time together. He's a really good guy and they've got a really good team. But fight week is obviously business. ”
Smith and Zepeda will go head-to-head in Smith's backyard, headlining the March 23 card in Sheffield.
The battle in Sheffield has a very personal meaning for Smith. Because this is where his boxing journey began, where he laced up his gloves and stepped into the ring for the first time under the watchful eye of his father and coach, Grant Smith.
Asked about becoming Sheffield's new golden boy, Smith said: “There's pressure but I wouldn't have it any other way.” This is where I want to go. I don't put too much pressure on myself.
“At the end of the day, I want to achieve great things and I cherish all these great moments. I'm headlining in my home town. People are coming out in droves and it's amazing. hey.
“At the end of the day, it's an entertainment business. People pay money to come see my fights. They're showing great support, so I'm going to go in there and give a great fight, a great performance, and have a great fan base.” It's my job to show them what I'm capable of. I want to show them why they should come back for more.”
