It has been a long and rewarding year for Dalton Smith of Sheffield inside the ropes.

In January, he won the world title against the odds in New York. On Saturday, he retained the world title against his No 1 contender, Alberto Puello, in his hometown. Both fights were hard, risky, dangerous, and the two wins deserve some respect in a business dominated by heavyweights.

Back in January, Smith knocked out WBC super-lightweight champion Subriel Matias in the fifth round; Matias had won 23 fights, 22 by knockout, going into the fight. Only Puello had taken Matias the distance in victory, losing a disputed decision for the belt in 2025.

On Saturday, Smith retained his title by a split decision over Puello in a close and tactical fight; Puello, twice a world champion, lost for just the second time in 27 fights.

The crowd, including the England band of merry drummers at the Sheffield Arena, were relentless in their support of the local fighter. Smith’s gym is less than a mile from the venue.

Puello is a smart southpaw, but he let too many of the early rounds slip away and, by the time he rallied, it was too late. The last few rounds were furious, Smith cut on his right cheek, both knowing that a big finish could sway the fight their way.

There were a tense few minutes at the end waiting for the official scores. Eventually, to the delight and relief of Smith and his fans, the result was 115-113 for Smith twice and one of 116-112 for Puello. The last score of eight rounds to four in Puello’s favour felt like a mockery; Smith had done enough.

“It’s got to be Hillsborough now,” Smith told the crowd at the end. “I’m not taking easy defences, I’m not taking easy fights.”

The Matias and Puello wins make Smith the best British fighter of the year.

There is a quality list of potential opponents for a grand Hillsborough homecoming, and it includes the very best at his weight, Shakur Stevenson. It might seem like a fantasy fight, but stranger things have happened, and Smith, after two impressive wins this year, is right at the top of potential Stevenson opponents.

The unbeaten American has just quit Dana White’s Zuffa boxing by mutual agreement, and is expected to agree a deal with DAZN, who have an exclusive deal with Smith’s promoter, Matchroom.

“Why not Shakur?” said Eddie Hearn, Smith’s promoter who previously represented Stevenson. “He’s the No 1 at the weight, and now Dalton is without doubt his No 2. So, why not? I think it can be done.”

Admittedly, if Smith were to secure the Stevenson fight, it would be unlikely to go ahead at Hillsborough. Those two major outcomes feel like they make up an either/or.

Still, Smith also has a couple of options closer to home in domestic rivals; Adam Azim is unbeaten, and a fight between the pair has been talked about for about five years. There is also Mark Chamberlain; a fight against a British opponent – the rivalry is instant – would easily work for a potential Hillsborough night.

Late on Saturday night, the Puello contingent, including the veteran Cuban trainer Ismael Salas, left the Sheffield Arena in a shuffling pack with their grievances. It was not a robbery; Puello and his team just got it wrong and started too late. If Puello could sell enough tickets in the USA, then a rematch might have made sense. Nobody said boxing is fair.

At the same time, Smith, his face starting to swell, was talking about a sunny holiday break from his sport. “It’s been a long year, a great year, and next year will be better,” he promised. “Bring on Hillsborough and then we will have an atmosphere.” He might just be right.