Dalton Smith attempts to become Britain’s latest world champion this weekend when he challenges WBC super lightweight champion, Subriel Matias.
Matias and Smith will clash at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night.
The build-up has been marred by controversy after Matias tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine in a VADA test on November 9.
However, the bout has been permitted to proceed by both the WBC and the New York State Athletic Commission with the levels of Ostarine deemed below the threshold used in the state.
“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware that Mr Matias, who is currently licensed, has received an adverse analytic finding from VADA concerning an out of competition test,” the commission told BBC Sport.
“The reported concentration was below the applicable threshold used by multiple jurisdictions, including Nevada, California, and New York.”
Smith will become Britain’s fifth active world champion if he dethrones the Puerto Rican.
The 28-year-old challenges for a maiden world title, while his rival, 33, became a two-time titlist in July, edging past Alberto Puello in New York.
Fresh Productions promote the showdown after outbidding Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing at a purse bid in September.
Matias vs Smith – Date, Venue, Start Time and Ring Walks
- The pair will fight on Saturday 10th January at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
- Undercard bouts will begin at 8pm ET/1am GMT.
- The main event is expected to begin at 11pm ET/4am GMT, although timings could change depending on the length of undercard fights.
Matias vs Smith – How To Watch
- The card is live in the UK and USA on PPV.com.
- The fight is priced at $59.99 in the USA and £41.95 in the UK.
Matias vs Smith – Last Three Fights
Matias
- Subriel Matias bt Alberto Puello – MD
- Subriel Matias bt Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela – 8th round TKO
- Subriel Matias bt Roberto Ramirez – 2nd round TKO
Smith
- Dalton Smith bt Mathieu Germain – UD
- Dalton Smith bt Walid Ouizza – 1st round TKO
- Dalton Smith bt Jose Zepeda – 5th round KO
Undercard
- Alfredo Santiago vs Hedri Cedeno – WBO NABO and WBO Intercontinental super lightweight titles
- Nestor Bravo vs Pedro Campa – super lightweight
- Jeyvier Cintron vs Jonathan Rodriguez – bantamweight
- Emmanuel Rodriguez vs Fernando Diaz – bantamweight
- Keith Colon vs Alberto Guevara – featherweight
- Arjan Iseni vs Mario Bedolla Orozco – light heavyweight
