Dalton Smith edged out a gruelling points victory over Alberto Puello to retain his WBC super lightweight title.The 29-year-old won on a split decision, with England’s Kieran McCann and Spain’s Jon Llona scoring the fight 115-113 in his favour, with Filipino judge Ray Danseco having it 116-112 for Puello.Smith retained his WBC strap in his first world title defenceGettyIt was a return to his native Sheffield for Smith after he knocked out Subriel Matias in New York earlier this year to win the famous green and gold strap.And in his first title defence, he fought Puello, who lost the WBC belt to Matias last year.Smith was made to work for the victory, with the unbeaten Brit suffering a cut above his right eye and a split cheek in the 12th round.But he did just enough to nick a points victory – setting up a potential mega fight in 2027.Having told talkSPORT he believes he is one of the most underappreciated boxers, Smith is now ready to trade blows with WBO king Shakur Stevenson, who also holds the coveted Ring strap.What did Dalton Smith say after beating Alberto Puello?Speaking to DAZN, Smith said: “Boxing is business.“I have a lot of respect for Shakur, he’s one hell of a fighter.“But this takes me back to the Ricky Hatton-[Floyd] Mayweather days.“And we could build something good, I have true respect for Shakur, he’s a great champion.”His promoted Eddie Hearn then teased a potential unification bout, as he quipped: “I know Shakur Stevenson loves Sheffield in May.”Smith was made to work for his points victory over Puello in SheffieldGettyCommenting on his future plans, Smith also stated: “Number one goal in my life was to become world champion and make history, the second was to sell out Hillsborough stadium.“I had that carrot dangled out in front of me for so long, I had to block out the noise, stay professional, it was hard, and keep my eyes on the ball tonight.”Smith was also quick to heap praise on Puello, who also held the WBA belt between 2022-2023.He remarked: “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.”View Tweet: https://x.com/hashtag/SmithPuello?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5EtfwBefore adding: “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.”