Exclusive: Smith Ready to Bring the 'Thunder' in Title Fight with Ouizza 

Dalton Smith has revealed why he is determined to follow what he describes as the “proper” route towards a world title, ahead of this weekend’s challenge for the vacant European super-lightweight crown.

Nicknamed ‘Thunder’, the unbeaten 27-year-old from Sheffield makes his long-awaited return to action with a bout against the dangerous Walid Ouizza at Nottingham Arena on Saturday night.

Regarded as one of the rising forces in the 140lbs division, Smith was positioned second on the WBC’s list of suitors to champion Alberto Puello when its latest rankings were published last month.

But rather than take a shortcut towards facing the Dominican, he is determined to add the EBU belt to a collection of honours which already includes the British and Commonwealth straps.

“I want to do it this way,” Smith said, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom. “I want to go what I think is the proper way towards the very top.

“When I was growing up, all my boxing idols went British, Commonwealth, European and then world. So I want to follow in their footsteps and go down the same path.

“You can go another way, towards a world title. You can take a different path by winning international titles and such like. 

"But this is the way I want to go. Because all of the people I grew up admiring and looked up to did it.

“I want to get everything ticked off.”

GROWING LIST OF VICTIMS

Although Smith is proud to be the Mexico-based sanctioning body’s silver champion - a prize he claimed by defeating Jose Zepeda in March - adding Ouizza to his growing list of victims would edge him a step closer towards a potential meeting with Puello, who earned a split decision victory over Gary Antuanne Russell in Las Vegas seven months ago. 

That bout was initially for the WBC’s interim title, with Puello subsequently being upgraded when Devin Haney was later named ‘Champion in Recess’ by the WBC.

Smith, who has won all but four of his 16 outings as a professional inside the distance, has not set foot inside the ring since dispatching Zepeda due to a niggling injury. 

Now fully recovered, he is focused on snatching not only a key prize but also producing a statement performance.

“It’s a relief to be back out there again,” Smith said. “I want to get the momentum going again, get it building.

“I want to start the New Year on a real high and then really look to push on.”

COLLISION COURSE

Despite also being recognised as one of the finest super-lightweights on the planet by the IBF and WBO, Smith is on a collision course with domestic rival and fellow rising star Adam Azim. 

Matchroom, Smith’s promotional stable, accused the latter of effectively avoiding their client during the immediate aftermath of his bout with Zepeda. 

It was a charge Boxxer, who guide Azim, vehemently denied. He is now preparing to lock horns with Sergey Lipinets, for the lesser regarded IBO belt.

“I’ve also been clear about the fact I want to go this way,” said Smith, whose upcoming opponent has lost only twice in 21 appearances. 

“It’s what I view as the traditional way and so it’s always been my plan. I know there’s other ways you can go but this is the one I’ve chosen.”