Exclusive: Dalton Smith Aims to Bridge Sheffield’s Sporting Divide Ahead of Title Eliminator

Dalton Smith aims to bridge Sheffield’s cavernous sporting divide by revealing his pride at “carrying the flag” for the city as a whole rather than just one of its two football clubs.

The super-lightweight, who will guarantee himself a shot at the WBC title if he defeats Mathieu Germain on Saturday, has made no secret of being a lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan since first turning professional six years ago.

Despite guaranteeing cult hero status at Hillsborough, where he eventually hopes to headline a major show, Smith’s allegiance to Danny Rohl’s side has alienated many followers of their arch-rivals Sheffield United and threatens to limit his popular appeal.

But the former British, Commonwealth and European champion has used an exclusive interview with SportsBoom to remind United supporters that he is just as committed to representing them as he is his friends at Wednesday - stressing that he competes in a ring, not on a pitch.

“I’m fighting for Sheffield,” Smith said, ahead of his clash with Germain this weekend. “I’m Sheffield born and bred.

“Yes, I support Sheffield Wednesday and they’re big supporters of mine. But I’m carrying the flag for Sheffield. A lot of my mates are Unitedites and of course we have a bit off but it’s all good fun.

“I’m not a footballer, I’m a boxer and I want the entire city to come together. When I’m fighting, when I’m in there, I’m doing it for the city where I’m from.”

FOLLOW IN KELL BROOK'S FOOTSTEPS

Kell Brook, Sheffield’s last world champion, pinned his colours to United’s mast; eventually surrendering his IBF welterweight crown to Errol Spence Jr at their stadium.

Smith, who aims to replicate Brook’s achievement by dominating the 140lb division, continued: “When I was growing up, I went to watch Kell fight at Bramall Lane, United’s ground. I didn’t have a problem with that because it’s boxing, not football and he was a great fighter.

“I want to put the footballing politics aside. It’s a very powerful thing, as we’ve seen before, when an entire city gets behind someone.

“Sheffield is a hard-working city and it’s always done well for boxing. That’s why I feel it’s important that I continue to carry that flag, to keep the big nights coming here, to the place where I’m proud to live and come from.”

Smith’s meeting with Germain, who hails from Canada, will be his first outing since demolishing Walid Ouizza inside a round to claim the vacant EBU strap at Nottingham Arena in January. 

He relinquished that prize four days later in order to hunt down global honours and, possessing an unblemished 18 bout record, is now ranked as the number one contender to WBC king Alberto Puello. 

The Dominican could be allowed to voluntary defence before facing Smith but would have to either suffer a shock loss or give up his crown to avoid facing Smith altogether.

Promoted by Matchroom Boxing, the 28-year-old will be hoping to record his fourth straight victory inside the distance when he faces Germain (26-2-1) at Sheffield’s Canon Medical Arena. 

Aged 35, Germain is regarded as the 53rd best super lightweight currently active by Box Rec; widely regarded as the boxing’s most respected records keeper.

“I’m proud and pleased when people come out to see me,” Smith said. “That’s because I know they’ve spent their hard earned money to do that.

“I’m down to earth. I’m Sheffield and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”