The pair meet in Brooklyn this weekend in a clash for the latter's WBC super-lightweight crown at the Barclays Center.

Smith is bidding to back up European strap success last year against his opponent, on what is his stateside debut.

Matias earned plenty of criticism when he took the strap in a narrow decision win against Alberto Puello in July.

But speaking ahead of Saturday's encounter, Smith has refused to play down his opponent and expects a hard fight.

"I punch hard," he said. "I think in any fight, you've got to get the opponent's respect, whether amateur or professional.

"Subriel will bring the best out of me. The bigger the danger that is in front of me is when I perform [my best work]."

Victory for Smith will see him join the small band of male British fighters currently operating as a world champion.

Fabio Wardley, Lewis Crocker, Jazza Dickens and Nick Ball are the other names currently at the top of the divisions.

Smith out to dethrone Matias but wary of threat

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

There's a desire to maintain respect from Dalton Smith as he challenges for a first world title, almost coy in his words.

It curiously recalls Lewis Crocker's more buttoned-down approach ahead of his IBF welterweight title fight last year.

On that occasion, the Belfast man's quiet confidence proved well-placed, as he edged Paddy Donovan for the crown.

Here, Smith seems keen to ensure Subriel Matias is given the due some feel he did not earn in a win over Albert Puello.

We'll know soon enough if the unbeaten man can back up his promise and add himself into the sport's history books.

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