27-year-old British super lightweight boxer Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs) shared his plans for the upcoming year in an exclusive interview with Ready to Fight, along with his thoughts on the most anticipated matchups in 2024.
– The big fight Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis. How do you see it?
– “I think it will be an excellent fight. Two great champions. My prediction for this fight is that Catterall will win. Perhaps a late-round knockout or a points victory. But it will be a great matchup.”
– What’s next for you? There’s obviously a lot of talk about Adam Azim; we saw him recently with a fantastic performance. Will that fight happen, or do you have other plans?
– “Yes, there were plans for a fight for the European title. But I have my own path; I want to become a world champion. My career isn’t focused on a fight with Adam Azim. If it makes sense when I’m aiming for the European title, then we’ll see. But of course, if we keep winning, that fight will definitely happen.”
– What’s next? How do you see the end of 2024 and 2025 for Dalton Smith?
– First, I’ll win the European title, and then I’ll move towards a world title fight. My current focus is on the world title, but a minor injury has set me back a bit. First, the European title, then the world championship.”
– Will you be a world champion by this time next year?
– “I would like to think so. Of course, anything can happen in boxing, but the path I’m on is leading me to become a world champion next year.”
– I want to ask you about a few fights. The big fight at the end of November—Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai. What do you think?
– “I think it’s an excellent fight. They both have a lot of shared history, having boxed together. Galal is an Olympic champion. It’s going to be an exciting match, interesting for all the viewers.”
– Liam Paro returns in Puerto Rico against Richardson Hitchins. How do you see this fight?
– “I think it will be a tough matchup. Hitchins has an awkward style, but I believe Paro can win this fight. He has a bit more activity under his belt after a recent great victory, so perhaps Paro will come out on top.”
– The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. You, of course, watched the first fight with great interest. What do you think will happen this time—a repeat or a reversal?
– “I think it will be pretty much the same as the first fight. If Fury can stay more focused in the middle rounds, where he relaxed a bit, I think he has a chance. I still believe it will be a very close fight, but I think Fury will be able to win this time.”