Dalton Smith has pulled out of his scheduled world title defence with an injury.
Smith was set to make the first defence of his WBC super lightweight world title against Alberto Puello in Sheffield on June 6.
However, the 29-year-old has been forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in training camp, his promotional team Matchroom announced on Monday.
Galal Yafai’s bid to dethrone unified WBC and WBA flyweight world champion, Ricardo Sandoval has been elevated to main event.
“Dalton Smith has been ruled out of his scheduled WBC World Super Lightweight Title defence against Alberto Puello following an injury sustained during camp,” Matchroom said in a statement.
View this post on Instagram
“The event on Saturday, June 6 at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena – live worldwide on DAZN – will go ahead, however, headlined by Galal Yafai’s WBC & WBA World Flyweight Unification Championship challenge against champion, Ricardo Sandoval.
“Tickets are on sale now.
“Refunds, if required, are available via the original point of purchase.”
It’s the second time this month that Matchroom have lost their original main event, with Callum Smith pulling out of his clash with David Morrell earlier this month with an injury
Ben Whittaker was elevated to the main event and wiped out Braian Suarez in the first round in Liverpool.
Smith was set for a homecoming bout after ripping away the title from Subriel Matias with a ruthless fifth round stoppage in Brooklyn in January.
Yafai fights for the first time since his bout with Francisco Rodriguez last June.
The Olympic gold medalist was beaten for the first time in his professional career, but the decision was subsequently changed to a no contest after Rodriguez tested positive for a banned substance, with the Mexican handed a two-year ban.
The 33-year-old will head into his clash with Sandoval as the WBC interim champion and will look to become the third fighter to beat the American.
The 27-year-old won the WBC and WBA crowns last June with an upset split decision victory over Kenshiro Teraji in Japan.
