Dalton Smith (16-0, 12 KOs) earned the biggest win of his career last time out when he stopped three-time title challenger Jose Zepeda to win the WBC Silver championship and rise to the #3 ranking with the governing body.
Smith made his plans to win the European title clear and it’s been almost two months since firm movement has been made.
Ten days after Smith reaffirmed his mandatory position, Adam Azim vacated the strap and Smith was left almost a month without an opponent ordered to vie for the vacant championship.
Walid Ouizza turned down the position but Spain’s Jon Fernandez (26-3, 22 KOs) accepted it.
Dalton Smith Next Fight Likely To Be Jon Fernandez
Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, the promoters for Smith, outbid Madrid-based PCI Promotions for the rights to stage the fight. NoSmokeSport understands that Matchroom bid €187,500 whilst PCI offered €160,025.
Neither a date nor a venue was confirmed.
Fernandez has tasted defeat three times prior. The Spaniard was upset by O’Shaquie Foster on SHO BOX in 2018, dropped Michel Rivera but was stopped in the 8th round and was narrowly outpointed by domestic rival Samuel Molina in 2022.
The 28-year-old based in Las Vegas is a big puncher with 22 KOs in his 26 wins and is coming off three straight wins including a decision against Jezzrel Corrales.
