Former flyweight champion Sunny Edwards believes Dalton Smith is fast approaching a spot among the sport’s elite. Smith will fight Walid Ouizza this Saturday at Nottingham Arena for the vacant European junior welterweight title - an important step on his journey toward big domestic clashes at 140 pounds. Edwards, who watched Smith grow up in the gym under the guidance of Smith’s father Grant, says Dalton’s impressive blend of speed, power, and ring IQ sets him apart.
Having seen Smith develop since childhood, Edwards recalls being struck by the youngster’s confidence and skill even as an amateur. Over the years, Smith has proven himself by accumulating national accolades, and he now stands on the brink of worldwide recognition. According to Edwards, few fighters can switch from boxing on the back foot to delivering knockout punches as seamlessly as Smith can. This versatility, he says, positions Smith among the world’s top prospects at 140.
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If Smith stays focused and capitalizes on the right opportunities, Edwards believes he can one day match the achievements of British greats like Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan, and Josh Taylor. For now, Smith is concentrating on capturing the European title before pursuing matchups with fighters like Jack Catterall. With Edwards and many others already touting Smith as a potential star, all eyes will be on how he handles Ouizza and whether this next level propels him toward even bigger honors.
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