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Dalton Smith ready to 'pick up where I left off' as Walid Ouizza clash looms
Watch Smith vs. Ouizza live Jan. 25 on DAZN
Dalton Smith returns to the ring after nearly a year out this Saturday when he takes on Walid Ouizza for the vacant EBU European title at the top of Matchroom's first show of 2025.
The undefeated super-lightweight star squares off with former European champion Ouizza at the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham - live worldwide on DAZN - knowing that a win will likely put him in line for a world title shot later in the year.
The 27-year-old Yorkshireman, who took out the USA's Jose Zepeda in five rounds last time out, is aiming to put a frustrating spell behind him by adding the European title to his collection this weekend.
“It feels good to be back," said Smith. "Obviously it was a frustrating back end to 2024. I thought I was going to build some momentum on the Zepeda win. Things happen. It was frustrating but I stayed in the gym as much as I could. I’m just ready to get back out there.
“It was frustrating because I got the injury through the first camp. We left it a couple of weeks thinking it would get a bit better, but it just wasn’t. It was rescheduled and we thought it would be plenty of time – but it wasn’t. The injury just needed a little bit more time.
"We did everything we could; got on top of it. We’re fit and healthy and all good now. I’m ready to kick the year off with a good performance and pick up where I left off. The injury is behind me now and it's time to remind everyone of what I'm capable of."
'Thunder' has established himself as one of the hottest properties in British boxing, having picked up the British, Commonwealth, English, WBC International Silver, WBC Silver and WBA Intercontinental titles.
Smith headlines outside of his home city for the first time on Saturday, aiming to deliver another stunning finish against Frenchman Ouizza.
“Walid Ouizza is a good fighter," said Smith. "He’s solid. I think he’s lost one or two. 50% KO ratio and he’s experienced. He’s got the fights under his belt. He’s a former European champion and this is a big opportunity for him as well. If he can beat me he’s up there with the big boys. That’s why I’ve prepared 100%. I’m going to go in there and put on a great performance.
"I’ve got every single belt that I set out to get. I keep saying it, I’ve got two more to get. I’ve got the European and world title. I’m days away from collecting the European title. I’ve trained hard and I’m looking forward to delivering another big knockout.
“I wanted to build momentum from the Zepeda win, to keep climbing higher up the rankings in the governing bodies. I’m still sat in a good place. It’s not like it’s been years. It’s been 10 months. Some fighters do that regularly.
“Looking forward at the year ahead, a big performance on January 25 will move me forwards to chasing that world title. I believe I’m a couple of fights away from the big nights at Hillsborough and selling that out. Every fight here now is massive for me. I want 2025 to be a big year for my career. I’m a couple of fights away from achieving my childhood dreams and completing everything that I’ve set out to do."
Smith vs. Ouizza tops a big night of action in Nottingham, Derby's Harry Scarff (13-3, 3 KOs) clashes with Wolverhampton's Conah Walker (14-3-1, 5 KOs) with the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles on the line, Ellie Scotney (9-0) and Mea Motu (20-0, 8 KOs) collide for the IBF, WBO and IBO super-bantamweight world titles, Birmingham super-featherweight prospect Ibraheem Sulaimaan (6-0, 3 KOs) returns, Walsall flyweight Hamza Uddin (3-0, 1 KO) fights Misael Ezequiel Graffioli (5-3) over eight rounds, Mansfield super-bantamweight Nico Leivars (6-0-1, 1 KO) meets Walsall's Lewis Morris (8-3, 1 KO) over six rounds and Aston cruiserweight Traie Duberry (4-0 2 KOs) kick off the show against Argentina's Camilo Castagno (4-8, 1 KO) over six rounds.
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