smith

Dalton Smith Successfully Defends British Title Against Kaisee Benjamin

Written by Jared Parry on 12th November 2022.

Dalton Smith retained his British super lightweight title as he outpointed Kaisee Benjamin in Manchester.

In a very technical, high quality chess match, Smith would be successful in his first defence of his British title as the scorecards read 115-114, 117-112 and 116-113.

It was a cagey start as both men looked to find the range, Benjamin would be the man on the front foot, but Smith fired out sharp jabs on the counter.

Smith’s work gave him a lead throughout the early rounds as he landed the sharper work, Benjamin had success, but the consensus was that Smith’s sharp counters were the more eye-catching work.

It was a technical affair through the middle rounds, as they both had a defensive game plan. Round seven saw both fighters let their hands go, and blood appeared above Smith’s left eye, but it was nothing too severe.

The champion had pulled a lead as his speed was the difference in the bout. Both men committed to throwing their hands more in round nine, and Benjamin looked the more comfortable man, as he managed to pin the Sheffield man against the ropes twice and unload shots.

Smith bounced back in the tenth as his power began the shine through, as he landed a heavy shot that momentarily stiffened Benjamin’s legs, however, the Birmingham man soaked up the shots, but it would be a big round for the champion.

Round eleven was similar to the early rounds, as it was like a chess match. Benjamin’s corner tried to fir their man up for the final round, as his trainer told him that he would need a knockout.

Smith played it safe going into the final round, as he believed he was ahead and didn’t want to make any mistakes. Benjamin came out firing, but the champion would nullify his work to hold on to pick up a unanimous decision victory.

Smith now moves to 12-0 and moves closer to winning the British title outright. Benjamin put in a fantastic display, and Smith acknowledged that in his post-fight interview, as they said he would come again, and Smith’s father and trainer, Grant, considered Benjamin as world level.