Dalton Smith: How the Briton defied the odds to become a world champion

With the odds stacked against him, it ultimately comes down to Smith believing in himself.

“I thought they could hold us back as much as they wanted, but I will smile through it because I know my hand will be raised on Saturday night and I will be world champion,” he says.

It was the manner of victory that surprised even seasoned boxing observers. Instead of boxing with caution, Smith fought fire with fire, coming face to face with one of the most fearsome punchers in the division.

Smith absorbed heavy shots but never wavered. In his corner was the constant presence of his father and coach, Grant Smith.

Grant always let the focus be on his fighter – until the emotion of the moment took over. He took the microphone in the ring and spoke about his son’s accomplishments.

“ABA schoolboy title, British schoolboy title, ABA junior title, British junior title, GB youth title, ABA senior title, English title, British outright in 12 months, European, Commonwealth and now WBC world champion, my dear. An English title, an outright British one in 12 months, a European title, a Commonwealth title and now a WBC world champion, baby. “This has never happened in the history of English boxing.”

It’s no secret where the new world champion gets his flexibility.

Nearly two decades ago, Grant survived a collision with a 56-ton tram while running. Left temporarily blind and deaf, he required brain surgery and was given days to live. Within weeks, he was out of the hospital and back in the gym.

“My dad had his own battles. He was in an accident, and that’s why we got a tattoo on our chest — ‘Never Give Up on Life,'” Dalton says.

“That comes through him going through his ordeal, and I feel like he instilled that in us.”