Dalton Smith has been backed by Sonny Edwards to prove he’s “one of the best boxers in the world.”
Smith has talked about pursuing top British 140-pounder Jack Carter when he fights France’s Waleed Ouiza for the vacant European junior middleweight title at the Nottingham Arena in England on Saturday. Roll.
Edwards watched the 27-year-old Smith’s development from an early age and trained with Dalton’s father Grant at his gym in Sheffield until the final game of Edwards’ illustrious career.
What cannot be ignored is their long-standing close relationship, with Edwards’ honesty and educated insight into the nuances of the profession meaning he has become an in-demand commentator ahead of his retirement in 2024. While he was still active, Edwards also shared the ring with others. Among them is the esteemed Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who, as expected of Smith, is widely considered one of the best boxers in the world.
“Dalton Smith — he’s a huge talent,” Edwards, a former flyweight world champion, told BoxingScene. “He always has been.
“I mean, the moment I met Dalton when I was 11, 12 years old, everyone in the gym was laughing at him because he had this crazy zig-zag, rounded spiral haircut. I remember My first hair answer was, “If he looks like that, he can definitely fight” Honestly, he punched two kids in our gym in a row and beat them both, and I knew that for sure from that point on. Who is Dalton?
“Through England [amateurs] When I got there, I traveled with Dalton – who always wanted the best fighter in every round he was in – and moved on [Team] GB He was one of the first; the younger players in those squads at the time. Yes, a huge success all over the world.
“He’s always been a fighter that I think about very, very highly. When he switches on, which he does, when his focus is really in the ring, I think he’s one of the best boxers in the world. . He doesn’t just punch, he doesn’t just scheme – he sets traps. He’s fast and when he hits people, he can do it all, in my opinion. One of the warriors.
“He can move like me – when Dalton really wants to put his foot on the pedal, he can avoid every shot. He’s a really good fighter. Ever since I first saw Dalton when I was 11, 12 years old He’s been a great guy since Dayton and he’s one of the best fighters around and other people are just starting to realize that now.”
Edwards was then asked if he envisioned Smith, who is six years Ouizza’s junior, being on par with Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and Josh Taylor – the best British boxers ever and the 140-pound world champion.
“As long as he has the opportunity, maybe the support when others have,” he replied. “Maybe he needs to stop disappearing into the jungle for three months between camps to live like a savage, [instead] Walking into the bar, 100, 200, 50,000 people behind him, you know what I mean?
“No, he’s a legend, Dalton, he could disappear [as one]. He has won belts at every level so far. He won the ABA for boys, junior high, and senior; traveled the world in all international competitions and accomplished it all at every level. If not him, who would it be?
“I know Grant rates him and thinks he’s a good fighter. He’s got to be on point, but I think everyone is going to do well at this level. A fighter like Dalton isn’t really going to be taken lightly right now Defeated; that’s not going to happen with one walk.”
