On January 10, 2026, Puerto Rico’s Subriel Matías defends his WBC junior-welterweight title against Britain’s undefeated Dalton Smith at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. We break down their careers, styles, stakes, undercard, broadcast details, and prediction.
Fight Overview: A Clash of Power and Precision
At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on January 10, 2026, Subriel Matías of Puerto Rico defends his WBC junior-welterweight title against Dalton Smith of Britain, who has not lost. We dissect their broadcast information, undercard, careers, styles, stakes, and predictions.
The 12-round world title fight between WBC junior-welterweight champion Subriel Matías (23-2, 22 KOs) and unbeaten opponent Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to light up the super-lightweight division on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the historic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
This fight is high-stakes for both men because it’s not only Matías’s first defense since reclaiming a world title, but it’s also a significant step up for Smith.
Back-stories & career trajectories
Subriel Matías – “El Orgullo de Maternillo”
Matías, who was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, began fighting professionally in December 2015 and quickly established himself as a powerful puncher with intense body work.
His ascent reached its zenith when he defeated Jeremías Ponce to win the IBF light-welterweight title in early 2023.
Then, in June 2024, Matías lost the IBF title to Liam Paro, which served as a kind of wake-up call. However, he recovered to win the WBC title in July 2025 by barely defeating Alberto Puello (two cards 115-113, one 114-114).
What makes Matías dangerous:
- Power: 22 KOs in 23 wins.
- Body attack + relentless forward pressure: He often breaks opponents down with left hooks and uppercuts to the ribs and mid-section.
- Experience: He’s fought and won at world level.
Areas to monitor:
- Durability: He’s been taken 12 rounds and shown vulnerability (the Paro loss).
- Stamina: His high‐tempo style exacts a toll — late-round fade could be a factor.
- Adjustment: His victories are often front-loaded; his ability to adapt mid-fight will matter.
Matías himself said in a recent interview;
“I’ve learned from my losses. This time, I’ll fight smarter — not just harder.”
Dalton Smith – “Thunder”
British competitor Dalton Smith, who is based in Sheffield, England, is unbeaten at 18-0 with 13 knockouts.
He has won British, Commonwealth, European, and WBC regional titles during his ascent. He also has a strong victory over former title contender José Zepeda (KO5) and a unanimous decision over Mathieu Germain in April 2025.
What works for Smith:
- Undefeated status: He enters with confidence and momentum.
- Youth and freshness: At 28 years old (approx.), he’s in his prime physical years.
- Technical growth: He has shown improved ring IQ and discipline.
Challenges ahead:
- First world-level test: Matías is a different beast — Smith must raise his game.
- Travel/venue factor: Fighting in the U.S. (Brooklyn) might introduce unfamiliar variables (crowd, time-zones).
- Power vs. power: Smith’s defense will be tested by one of the division’s hardest hitters.
Smith told Sky Sports:
“Every champion bleeds. I respect Matías, but this is my time to take over the division.”
The stakes & what’s on the line
For Matías: This is a way to establish legitimizing his reign. After defeating Puello with a narrow margin and having loss against Paro, he must prove that he can control the fight rather than be barely winning.
For Smith: A win elevates him into the elite mix at 140 lbs as a world champion, ready for a huge payday and credibility. If he loses, he may not create the momentum that he has now.
For the division: The 140 lbs (junior welterweight / super-lightweight) is a competitive division and a victory for either fighter opens the door for means like unification fights, major pay per view events, and overall marketability to possible fans especially in the U.S. or U.K. market.
For fans: Expect fireworks because of the ability of each fighter to bring power and ambition to the ring. The fight itself has a built in narrative (champion vs rising contender), and this always sells.
Venue, broadcast & under-card
Venue & date;
- Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026.
- Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.
- Weight class/title: 140 lbs (super-lightweight / junior-welterweight) — 12-round fight for the WBC belt.
Broadcast & viewing;
- As of the current update, specific broadcast partner(s) are yet to be fully confirmed, although early reports listed ppv.com for international streaming.
- Time zones to note: The main card is slated for ~8:00 PM ET (NY time) for U.S. viewers.
- UK and international viewers should check local listings once announced.
Under-card highlights;
It has been reported that the undercard, which includes names like former two-time bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodríguez, two-time Olympian Jeyvier Cintrón, and junior-welterweight contender Alfredo Santiago, is beginning to take shape.
These supporting bouts add value and depth to the card — good for the live crowd and pay-per-view buyers.
Strengths vs weaknesses
Matías: Excellent body work, strong power, and constant forward pressure. However, he is susceptible to being hit, and his speed may slow if he is unable to knock opponents out quickly.
Smith: Unbeaten, technical, disciplined, and gaining power. However, less demonstrated at the highest level, they might not have the “killer instinct” when it matters most.
Key rounds to watch
- Matías will try to establish his will early in rounds one through four by working the body and closing distance. The momentum could shift quickly if Smith appears shaken early.
- Rounds 5–8: The crucial stage. Smith can alter the rhythm of the fight if he can withstand the initial pressure and begin picking spots (countering, moving).
- Rounds 9–12: Mental toughness, weariness, and damage accumulation are important. Smith could take advantage late if Matías dominates early but uses too much gas. On the other hand, Matías’s power could still kill Smith if he has caused harm.
Tactical keys:
- Smith’s best path: Use lateral movement, fight off the back foot early, avoid lingering in Matías’s range, pick punches when Matías resets. In rounds 6+ he should push the pace and make Matías fight his fight.
- Matías’s best path: Cut off the ring, force Smith into exchanges, target the body to slow him, set up the headshots, and if possible finish inside 8 rounds.
- Wildcards: Smith might try to surprise with power — he’s shown he can stop good opponents. Matías’s chin will be tested — he’s been hit and taken decisions before.
Prediction & what you should bet/look for
Professional opinion is that, if Matías holds up early and prevents Smith from becoming comfortable, he will win by unanimous decision or late-round TKO.
Smith, however, has the means to annoy. He might make a decision if he can pick his spots and make it through the first few rounds unscathed.
Betting pointers;
- A line comparing “Matías KO inside 8 rounds” vs “Matías decision” could be interesting value.
- Look for Smith increasing in rounds 7–10 — if you see him land shots and win those middle rounds, which could swing the bout.
- Watch the corner reports after rounds 4, 8 — those can hint at momentum shifts.
Why boxing fans should tune in
A classic boxing tale, this fight features big power, undefeated ambition, high stakes, and an established champion. The victor of the 140-pound class becomes a huge star and could lead to major megafights in 2026.
Because of the crowd’s energy, the title at stake, and the stage’s legitimacy, Brooklyn in January is the ideal location for drama. In addition to raw power, fans of technical breakdowns can observe body work, ring-generalship, and pacing.
Final word
We’re not just watching another title defense when the bell rings on January 10 at Barclays Center; we’re watching a possible shift in power (or a reaffirmation of dominance) in one of boxing’s most interesting divisions.
Will Subriel Matías put an end to any skepticism regarding his rule? Or will Dalton Smith declare his victory to the world? In any case, you should be aware of this fight.
