Dalton Smith Has Shakur on His Mind, But Puello Comes First

Whisper Update, Oct. 27: Puello done. Now, who's next for Dalton? 🏟️

Puello came first, and Smith got through it: a split decision in Sheffield, Kimster has the result (on Boxbid). Mike Coppinger had it the other way but shrugged (x.com): "Thought Alberto Puello pulled it out, 116-112… No issue with Dalton Smith earning the split decision."

RUMOR: Shakur. The callout landed the same night. DAZN (x.com): "Dalton Smith wants Shakur Stevenson 👀". Matchroom (x.com): "Shakur Stevenson vs Dalton Smith 🤤". iFL TV (x.com): "Dalton vs Shakur at Hillsborough in May anyone? 👀🏟️"

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"I want Hillsborough," Smith said in his post-fight press conference, per The Ring (ringmagazine.com). Hearn, same piece: "But what I do know is that Shakur Stevenson will fight anybody and Shakur Stevenson believes he can beat anybody at 135, 140 or 147 pounds."

The catch. Shakur's dance card is crowded: the WBO has ordered him to negotiate with Raymond Muratalla, 20 days on the clock (on Boxbid), and he's a free agent. And Adam Azim, the old Hillsborough name, is booked: Azim vs. Gabriel Valenzuela, Dec. 4 IBF eliminator in London (on Boxbid).

Boxer pages: Shakur Stevenson (on Boxbid), Raymond Muratalla (on Boxbid).

Rumor-Meter update (Oct. 27)

• Smith vs. Stevenson in 2027: WARM (RUMOR). Everyone wants it; nobody's negotiating on the record.
• A Smith fight at Hillsborough: WARM (REPORTED). Hearn says talks with Sheffield Wednesday are real; no date.
• Smith vs. Azim next: COLD. Azim has Valenzuela Dec. 4.

REPORTED (talk). WBC 140-pound champion Dalton Smith says he'd pick up the phone for Shakur Stevenson. Talking on the "Boxing World" YouTube channel, as reported by The Ring's Manouk Akopyan (ringmagazine.com), Smith said: "Respect to Shakur. I've known him for years. He's one hell of a fighter, but I'm in those rankings for a reason, and I've never shied away from an opponent."

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The big one. "I'm boxing to be a part of the biggest fights possible. Of course the Shakur fight would be up there as one of the biggest. I'd love to be a part of that. But of course, I have to get through Puello first." The Ring's post (x.com) says Smith "is relishing a chance to unify with Ring junior welterweight king Shakur Stevenson, provided he makes his first successful WBC title defense next Saturday against Alberto Puello 🍿"

First, Puello. Smith (19-0, 14 KOs, per The Ring) defends against former two-time champion Alberto Puello on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Utilita Arena Sheffield, live on DAZN. At their pitchside face-off at Hillsborough, Smith switched to Spanish, Fightnews reports (fightnews.com): "This is my house. You’re in my house now, my friend. You’re already looking skinny." Puello's reply: "It’s coming with me now. It’s coming home with me."

Shakur's side. Stevenson's next date is still being worked out. Zuffa reportedly eyes Jan. 23 in Newark, with no opponent named (on Boxbid).

Boxer page: Shakur Stevenson (on Boxbid).

Rumor-Meter

• Smith vs. Stevenson: COLD. Smith wants it, but he has to beat Puello first, and there's no reporting of any talks.

Smith or Puello on Saturday, and does the winner get Shakur? Drop your pick in the Boxbid community. 👀

You didn't hear it from me… 🤫