Smith v Puello: WBC light-welterweight title defence in Sheffield on Saturday

WBC light-welterweight champion Dalton Smith will make the first defence of his title against former champion Alberto Puello at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Saturday.

Smith, 29, is unbeaten in 19 professional fights with 14 stoppages and returns to the ring for the first time since becoming world champion with a knockout of Subriel Matias in New York in January. Puello, 32, of the Dominican Republic is aiming to become a three-time world champion after losing his WBC belt to Matias on points last year and has lost just once in 26 professional bouts. Smith will have the backing of his home crowd in Sheffield, and the build-up has included questions about whether another win could keep alive his dream of fighting at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough stadium.

BBC Sport spoke to figures from across the boxing world to get their predictions. "I think it's going to be a great fight, I think there will be a lot of close rounds, but I'm going for a majority decision win for Smith in a really tough fight."

"What a brilliant fight this is. It's such a terrific match-up with contrasting styles. You have a slick southpaw in Puello and the tough, rugged, well-schooled Smith. Puello being a southpaw will suit Dalton who throws a fantastic right hand. "This is fine margins - high-level chess. I think Dalton will come through via decision, or perhaps a late stoppage, and he will have produced two back-to-back victories to cement his place in the top 15 pound-for-pound rankings."

"I think this will be an interesting fight. Both guys have a similar sort of style. Puello is a boxer-puncher who goes really well to the body. He throws that loopy left hand shot quite well that Dalton will have to be quite careful of. "It will be cagey at the start and I think Puello will fall behind a little bit. Dalton is a better boxer than him and better at his game. Puello will then have to come forward and I think that will suit Dalton. "So I see Dalton winning quite a wide points decision."

Other voices backed Smith while noting Puello's qualities. "It's a good fight and I think Puello is a good fighter but I'm Team Smith. He boxes well and his style has matured. Puello has fast hands and is good in close but Smith can find a way to beat him. If he knocks him out then it's a big statement, but I'll go for a Smith win on points." "I'm backing Dalton, he's been my guy since we were 12 years old. He was my roomate at every tournament and now is his time as WBC world champion."

Several contributors emphasised Smith's power and home advantage while offering differing scorelines. "I'm backing Dalton Smith to beat Alberto Puello and retain his world title. Smith's power, accuracy and impressive stoppage win over Subriel Matias make him a dangerous opponent. "Although Puello's experience and awkward southpaw style could make it a tough fight, I think Smith's power and work-rate will prove too much. Smith to win by unanimous decision." "I think Dalton will stop him late on - round nine or 10. Dalton is just too good for Puello, he'll try to put pressure on but Dalton will just have his number."

The WBC title clash at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield takes place on Saturday, with Smith defending the belt he won in January and Puello attempting to regain a world title.