23:14:14
Show’s over
As today’s blog comes to a close, we present you with the picture below, capturing a moment in history where nobody has ever halted Jose Zepeda like this before. Dalton Smith had an extraordinary night that will be etched in our memories, and there are undoubtedly more incredible moments to come. We appreciate your presence and engagement.
23:12:36
Eat that
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
23:11:20
It was all a dream
Dalton Smith acknowledged, “Many believed it was too early for me, and I even had a dream about being knocked out in this fight. However, that only fueled my determination to train even harder.”
Since it is my grandmother’s birthday, I couldn’t return home without a gift. Wishing you a happy birthday, nan!
“The reaction will serve as its own testimony. I let my actions in the ring do the talking, and I certainly did that tonight.”
23:08:01
Statement made
Dalton Smith secures a remarkable victory against the highly experienced Jose Zepeda, with the official stoppage occurring at 1:25 in the fifth round. This win in Sheffield stands out as Smith’s most notable and impressive performance yet, elevating his record to 16-0 (12). Let’s give him a well-deserved round of applause.
23:05:22
IT’S ALL OVER
Smith delivers a devastating blow to Zepeda’s midsection with a powerful right uppercut, leading to his victory in the fifth round. Smith’s outstanding performance and incredible finish leave spectators in awe.
23:01:55
Hit for four
Smith is doing well in the fourth round as he connects with a powerful left hook followed by a strong right hand, all while maintaining his defensive composure. This round has clearly demonstrated Smith’s comfort and skill in the ring, but it’s important to remember that Zepeda remains a formidable opponent.
22:59:05
Three down
Dalton Smith, who has never encountered someone as skilled as Zepeda, finds himself needing to display a higher level of discipline than ever before. He successfully executes a backhand strike that momentarily snaps Zepeda’s head back.
22:55:36
Dalton lands
In the second round, Dalton Smith replicates the same pattern as the first and delivers a powerful one-two punch that significantly boosts his confidence. While Zepeda remains a threat, Smith is gradually emerging from his defensive stance.
22:50:51
First round down
Smith has a cautious start in the first round, primarily staying on the outer edges of the ring. Meanwhile, Zepeda, in his southpaw stance, attempts to connect with jabs and crosses. He manages to land a few shots to the body before ending the round with a rapid flurry. It’s safe to say that Zepeda takes this round.
22:44:44
The fight starts now!
According to David Diamanté, the main event fighters have entered the ring while the MC introduces them. Dalton Smith is about to face the most pivotal moment in his career.
22:29:34
Ryan speaks
“I have always had faith in myself, and now it’s time for me to reap the rewards of my hard work. I want to express my gratitude to Terri for being my dance partner tonight, as she truly understood the challenges we faced and believed in our abilities.”
“I began applying pressure after the third round, and once I noticed her energy waning, I was determined not to ease up.”
22:23:14
IT’S ALL OVER
After Ryan’s persistent pressure, the fight is halted in the third round. Stefy Bull, Harper’s trainer, notifies referee Marcus McDonnell that his fighter will not continue into the next round.
22:19:46
Harper hanging on!
In the closing moments of the third round, Sandy Ryan relentlessly applied pressure, leaving Terri Harper scrambling to hold on. Though she wasn’t exactly saved by the bell, Harper was relieved to hear its sound.
22:17:11
Two down
Harper successfully connects a couple of right-hand punches, hitting the target accurately. However, Ryan is also effectively landing body shots. The intensity of this bout is steadily increasing.
22:13:18
Ryan v Harper
Terri Harper is aiming to secure her title as a three-weight world champion as she takes on Sandy Ryan, the current WBO welterweight champion. It is anticipated that this match will be highly competitive.
21:57:41
What a win
Ishmael Davis, who faced challenges including imprisonment and becoming a father to twins at just 14 years old, achieved an extraordinary victory by unanimous decision against the seasoned former British champion, Troy Williamson, in his inaugural 12-round match. Undoubtedly, he has garnered a significant number of supporters tonight.
21:56:19
We got to the scorecards… Davis UD
117-111, 116-112 x 2
21:51:42
Into the final round
As we enter the final round, Davis appears to have a substantial advantage over Williamson. However, can Williamson defy the odds and surprise us all with a remarkable comeback?
21:47:10
‘We need these two rounds’
Williamson’s swollen face is applied with ice as they take a break between rounds 10 and 11. Meanwhile, Davis, on the other side of the ring, hasn’t even taken a seat. Without wasting any time, he enters the ring for the second-to-last round and swiftly delivers a powerful southpaw jab. Davis is undeniably only two rounds away from securing the position as the mandatory challenger for the British title.
21:42:14
Piling on the pressure
Davis applies intense pressure during the middle of the ninth round, leaving him gasping for air by the end. Nonetheless, it was an impressive three-minute performance for the 28-year-old boxer, known as the Black Panther.
As we approached the 10th inning, Williamson stood in the corner and delivered a stern warning.
21:39:29
Four to go
As we reach the final third of the fight, it is evident that Williamson must deliver a decisive blow. Davis, on the other hand, seems to maintain his energy levels without showing much fatigue. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Davis has never fought this long in his entire career.
21:30:34
Halfway point
Currently, the score stands at six down with a valid case to argue that Davis has a 6-0 advantage. Williamson is beginning to experience bleeding from the mouth, and a swelling is emerging under his eye. Nevertheless, he perseveres and rounds four and five have been his most impressive thus far. Is there a possibility of a shift in momentum?
21:22:26
Ishmael delivering
Davis is putting on a remarkable show in the first four rounds. He effortlessly switches between stances and consistently lands powerful punches with his non-dominant hand. On the other hand, Williamson seems to have exhausted his strategies and is struggling to come up with new ideas.
21:19:20
Catch and counter
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
21:14:28
Good round for Davis
By skillfully dodging lazy jabs from Williamson, Davis retaliates with powerful right-hand punches. Williamson’s lack of accuracy allows Davis to evade and counter effectively. It seems that the 32-year-old Trojan is in for a challenging and potentially lengthy evening.
21:10:37
One down 11 to go
In the opening round, both fighters cautiously enter the ring, carefully assessing each other’s moves. Davis alternates between different stances, while Williamson takes the initiative by aggressively pursuing the fight with a powerful jab.
21:05:02
Davis and Williamson in the ring
We’re diving right back into the action with an undefeated Ishmael Davis taking on Troy Williamson in a final eliminator for the British light-middleweight championship. This fight was almost canceled due to Williamson coming in four pounds over the weight limit, but they managed to reach an agreement. And now, let the battle begin!
20:50:00
Flint celebrates
Jimmy Joe Flint secures a well-deserved unanimous decision as all three judges agree, acknowledging his exceptional boxing skills displayed from both stances.
He praised Campbell, acknowledging his young age and remarkable fighting skills, stating that there is no doubt he will make a comeback.
“I owe my victory tonight to my experience. Annie, my young daughter at home, you may not fully understand yet, but this win was dedicated to you.”
Hatton acknowledged, “In the beginning, I adhered to the strategy and secured several rounds, but there’s no denying that he dominated the latter half of the fight and demonstrated his expertise. I believe he did just enough, and I have no objections to that.”
“I would be delighted to do that once more.”
20:49:20
Flint UD!
Parker 98-92
Loughlin 97-94
Latham 97-95
20:46:41
Unbelievable
After a remarkable 10th and final round, where Hatton miraculously managed to remain standing despite enduring relentless attacks from Flint, we proceed to the scorecards. This fight has been truly outstanding, but the question remains: has Hatton performed well enough to secure his inaugural professional title? Only time will tell.
20:43:02
Interaction
“I would like to express my gratitude to @JKSmith_269 on Twitter for pointing out that Hatton’s fighting style strongly resembles that of his father. He possesses a solid chin and demonstrates effective body work. However, it is evident that he lacks the power and defensive skills that his father, Ricky, possessed.”
20:38:20
Hatton in trouble
Hatton is facing the toughest challenge of his professional career as Flint continues to apply unyielding pressure. Despite visibly struggling with hits to his head and body, the young boxer manages to remain standing against Flint’s relentless onslaught. With two more critical rounds ahead, the outcome remains uncertain.
20:36:11
Gotta love an area title fight
20:34:28
Flint cut
Flint delivers a powerful right hand that seems to momentarily stagger Hatton right before the bell rings. However, as the champion settles in his corner during the break, blood starts streaming from a cut near his left eye, resulting from a collision of heads. The question arises: how much impact could this have on the fight?
20:30:15
That’s entertainment
The sixth round was a thrilling display of non-stop action, as both fighters consistently landed powerful right hands. Hatton, in particular, delivered a devastating blow with less than 15 seconds remaining in the round. Overall, it was an incredibly entertaining fight, with four more rounds yet to come.
20:27:14
Campbell coming
In the fifth round, Hatton’s jab proves to be effective as he successfully pushes Flint against the ropes. Not only that, but Hatton also begins to position his feet in preparation for launching left hooks to the body. This round appears to be an improvement for the challenger, who could possibly be feeling the intensity of the match.
20:23:24
Four down
“Increase your mental capacity,” advises Hatton’s uncle Matthew from the corner. Although the challenger is holding his ground, Flint remains the one delivering the more remarkable punches. As we enter the fifth round.
20:19:34
Flint success
Flint predominantly utilizes his southpaw stance during the third round, successfully connecting with a couple of close-range uppercuts and a powerful left hook against Hatton as he advances. The fight remains evenly matched thus far, but Flint is gradually establishing his accuracy, much to the satisfaction of his trainer Jason Cunningham.
20:10:24
One down
Hatton has a strong start in the first round, connecting with several powerful shots against the reigning champion, Flint. However, Flint remains composed and manages to counter with some successful strikes of his own. The intensity of the match is gradually increasing, making it an exciting spectacle.
20:07:11
And we’re off
Hatton and Flint, who engaged in intense confrontations during the press conference and weigh-in, are now entering round one.
20:00:27
Flint v Hatton next
We pause momentarily in the ongoing proceedings as we eagerly anticipate Campbell Hatton’s attempt to claim the Central Area light-welterweight title from Jimmy Joe Flint. This would mark Hatton’s inaugural title in his boxing career, yet Flint, fully aware of the stakes, is determined to emerge victorious and secure a significant triumph this evening.
19:49:08
It’s all over!
Mirga tries to throw a right hook, but Leivars quickly retaliates with a precise left hook to the body. Mirga is knocked down and unable to recover before the count is completed. Leivars secures a victory by stopping the fight at 1 minute and 32 seconds into the ninth round. It is an outstanding win for Leivars, preventing a potential crisis.
19:42:28
All action
As the fight progresses, it becomes evident that this is turning into a small-scale classic. Leivars skillfully pushes Mirga towards the corner, relentlessly attacking while his opponent is trapped against the ropes. However, Mirga retaliates unexpectedly, delivering a series of powerful left hooks to Leivars’ already injured eye. At this point, the outcome of the fight is uncertain, and the tension builds as we approach the eighth round break.
19:38:54
Told you it was bad…
19:32:17
Bloody hell
They performed well with the initial cut treatment during the break, but in just half a minute, the bleeding resumes. Leivars is maintaining a disciplined approach, relying on single and double jabs, while Mirga is now pushing forward with increased energy. Both fighters are experiencing moments of triumph as we reach the fifth round.
19:28:44
Leivars cut!
Leivars’ right cheek is gushing blood as a result of Mirga’s left hook in the third round. The situation has suddenly become highly captivating. The cut is severe, noticeably affecting Leivars’ pace, while Mirga’s confidence is steadily increasing.
19:22:21
Leiv it out mate
In round two, Leivars delivers some brutal right hands to Mirga, yet she remains resilient and continues to fight back. The intensity of this battle has kept the audience thoroughly entertained as we reach the halfway point of the scheduled 10 rounds.
19:18:32
Leivars and Mirga are off
The first round of this final eliminator for the English super-bantamweight title is now complete. It was a dominant performance from the undefeated Leivars, who aims to secure a 6-0-1 record tonight. The 24-year-old from Mansfield had an impressive and proactive beginning.
19:10:52
Before the Bell
As Nico Leivars and Piotr Mirga make their entrance into the ring, I have an opportunity to update you on the events of the untelevised portion of the card.
Connan Murray, an undefeated middleweight, emerged victorious against Edgar Kemsky after a six-round bout, securing the win on points. Similarly, Emmanuel Buttigieg triumphed in the light-middleweight category by defeating Bartlomiej Stryczek on points as well.
In a brief span of time, light-heavyweight Liam Cameron showcased his dominance over Hussein Itaba by knocking him down twice in one round, resulting in a swift stoppage. The referee intervened at precisely 2 minutes and 32 seconds of the first round, concluding the match.
19:07:53
Here we go
Hello friends, and a warm welcome to the Boxing News live blog for tonight’s highly anticipated event in Sheffield. The main event features Dalton Smith going head-to-head with Jose Zepeda.
My name is Declan Taylor, and I am here to provide you with the latest updates, exciting moments, and everything else happening at the Utilita Arena in the Steel City.
Don’t forget, if you haven’t done so yet, you have the option to download the Boxing News app and participate by making your predictions and scoring the fights.
Sheffield’s Dalton Smith takes on Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC Silver super-lightweight title at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield. The main card is live on DAZN from 7pm in the UK, 2pm ET and noon PT. Preliminary bouts start from 5:15pm UK, 12:15pm ET and 10:15am PT.
You can watch the preliminary bouts for free on the DAZN YouTube channel.
Smith vs Zepeda Weights and Running Order
BEFORE THE BELL (Starts at 5:15pm UK, 12:15pm ET & 10:15am PT)
6 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
CONNAN MURRAY (158 lbs) v EDGAR KEMSKY (156.6 lbs)
6 x 3 mins International Super-Welterweight contest
LELI BUTTIGIEG (157.2 lbs) v BARTLOMIEJ STRYCZEK (156 lbs)
6 x 3 mins International Light-Heavyweight contest
LIAM CAMERON (174.8 lbs) v HUSSEIN ITABA (173.3 lbs)
LIVE ON DAZN (Starts at 7pm UK, 2pm ET and Noon PT)
10 x 3 mins English Super-Bantamweight Title Final Eliminator
NICO LEIVARS (121.3 lbs) v PIOTR MIRGA (121.1 lbs)
10 x 3 mins Central Area Super-Lightweight Title
JAMES FLINT (139 lbs) v CAMPBELL HATTON (139.7 lbs)
12 x 3 mins British Super-Welterweight Title Final Eliminator
ISHMAEL DAVIS (153.8 lbs) v TROY WILLIAMSON (158.2 lbs)
10 x 2 mins WBO Welterweight World Title
SANDY RYAN (146.2 lbs) v TERRI HARPER (145.9 lbs)
12 x 3 mins vacant WBC Silver Super-Lightweight Title
DALTON SMITH (139.6 lbs) v JOSE ZEPEDA (139.6 lbs)
