Dalton Smith retained his WBC light-welterweight title with a thrilling, split-decision victory over Alberto Puello on Saturday night.

On his homecoming at Utilita Arena, the Sheffield man was taken the distance in his first title defence, but kept his unbeaten record in tact as judges Kieran McCann of England and Spain's Jon Llona both scored the bout 115-113 in his favour, while Filipino Ray Danseco had it 116-112 to Puello.

Puello - is a former WBA and WBC champion - suffered only his second defeat in 27 fights. Smith has won 20 from 20, including beating Subriel Matias in New York in January - who inflicted Puello's only previous loss - to become world champion.

The 29-year-old had been due to fight mandatory challenger Puello four months sooner in June, but an injury to the Dominican Republic fighter resulted in a postponenment.

Smith, speaking to DAZN after retaining his title, said: "We knew what we were coming in for, he's a two-time world champion [and] look at the names he's beat.

"We knew it wasn't going to be a show, he was going to be an awkward opponent, but a champion has to do what he has to do.

"These are the best in the world and I'm proving why I'm number one now."

He added: "I got his rhythm early on. I think he respected my power, but, look, he's experienced.

"He's a lot more experienced than me, and that's what I'm gaining now. I switched off a little bit in the early rounds, but I did what a true champion did and win the last couple, so I'm very proud."