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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Connor O'Neill

Sam Maxwell sends blunt message to Dalton Smith after Sheffield British title showdown confirmed

Sam Maxwell is relishing the prospect of hearing 'AND THE NEW' after landing a British title showdown against Dalton Smith.

Maxwell (17-1, 11 KOs) will take on Smith at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday, July 1, with the 34-year-old's super-lightweight Commonwealth crown also on the line.

A former WBO European and British Champion at 140lbs, Maxwell will be looking to reclaim the British title after outpointing Akeem Ennis-Brown to win the famous old belt, along with the Commonwealth crown, in Birmingham back in August 2021.

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The former Team GB standout bounced back from his stoppage loss to Alejandro Meneses with a comfortable decision victory over Shaun Cooper last time out.

"It is every boxer's dream to headline a massive show, so to get the opportunity to do so on a Matchroom Boxing card shown live around the world on DAZN is amazing," Maxwell said.

"My Commonwealth belt is on the line, but I'm looking forward to hearing 'AND THE NEW' when I regain the British title.

"I believe no-one in the world can beat me when I am at my best. I can't wait for fight night. The atmosphere is going to be unreal, and my fans will definitely be heard."

Smith, on the other hand, will be headlining his second fight night in his home city, and is looking to win the prestigious Lord Lonsdale Challenge belt outright after claiming the vacant crown by stopping local rival Sam O'Maison last August and then making successful defences against Kaisee Benjamin and Billy Allington.

"It will be an honour to win the Lonsdale belt outright on July 1 in my home city and write my name into the history books, as well as picking up the Commonwealth title," he said.

"Every British fighter dreams of winning the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt when they start out, so to win it for keeps will be a massive box ticked for me as I then kick on. Sam is a great fighter who can really punch.

"He will be giving it his all to get the British title back and keep his Commonwealth title, but I'm very confident I will have too much for him on the night, and it will be another special atmosphere in the arena in front of my home support."

Commenting on the fight, Matchroom chief Eddie Heard said: "I can't wait to see Sheffield's very own Dalton Smith back at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, July 1, as he looks to create more history by winning the British title outright against Liverpool's Sam Maxwell in front of an electric crowd.

"The arena was bouncing last summer when he claimed the vacant belt against local rival Sam O'Maison, and I'm anticipating it to be even louder in there as 'Thunder' looks to pick up the Commonwealth title in front of his growing support.

"He faces his toughest test to date in the shape of former British champion Maxwell, who will be looking to claim the scalp of one of the brightest talents in world boxing and put his name firmly back in the mix at 140lbs.

"We've got another stacked card in store for fight fans that we will be announcing soon. Catch it all live around the world exclusively on DAZN."

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