Dalton Smith proves too much for Lee Appleyard

Now 8-0 with 7 Ko's, Dalton Smith is beginning to show the talent that his father Grant had seen from an early age when Dalton won the vacant English super-lightweight title in 6 rounds against former sparring partner Lee Appleyard on the European title triple-header staged by Matchroom Boxing at the Manchester Arena and shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN elsewhere.

In Appleyard, Smith met a 22 fight pro who had mixed with decent opposition, and yet he carefully dismantled the Rotherham 33-year-old like an old pro, taking his time and giving Appleyard very little to gain any confidence from.

In the 6th round referee Mark Lyson stepped in and stopped the fight at 2:44 of the round as Appleyaed was taking a steady beating with no chance of winning the fight.

The term world-class prospect is used a little too early in some youngster's careers but Dalton Smith does have the speed, skills, punching power, and above all, spite to be acknowledged as one on this showing.