Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda Breakdown, Date, and Undercard

Scheffield Arena, Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK
Saturday March 23rd
Matchroom Boxing on DAZN

Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda

Dalton Smith(15-0, 11KOs) has been steadily working his way through European level opponents since his debut in 2019. His last bout against Sam Maxwell ended with an emphatic, highlight-worthy knockout in round 7. Now Smith believes himself to be ready for the world stage. His first attempt at the world level will be against veteran Jose Zepeda(37-4, 28KOs).

Jose Zepeda is returning to the UK for the first time since 2015. That was his first attempt at a world title that unfortunately ended due to his shoulder being dislocated. Since then he’s had ups and downs in his career. An up being one of the most exciting fights in the last decade against Ivan Berachyk, and his downs being the two other times he fought for a world title, Though he’s never quite made full world championship status, he’s shown throughout his career that he belongs on the global stage.

It appears as though Zepeda is being brought in as a litmus test for Smith to see if he belongs where he believes he does. While Smith is the favorite, being young, undefeated, and impressive, he does still have holes in his game. It will be interesting to see if Zepeda can use his experience in the ring to exploit them, or if Smith can rise to the occasion and add another highlight to his reel on his way to the top.

Sandy Ryan vs Terri “Belter” Harper

Sandy Ryan(6-1-1, 2KOS) is coming off of a heartbreaking split-draw against Jessica McKaskil in September of last year. Though she, and plenty of others, saw her do enough to get the win and become undisputed at welterweight, the three judges all saw the fight going different ways and thus she went home with just the WBO world title that she had brought to the table initially. She took the draw with grace and dignity, and will now defend said WBO title against former super-featherweight unified champion, and current WBA super-welterweight champion, Terri Harper.

Terri Harper(14-1-2, 6KOS) has had more world title fights than not in her 17 fight career. It was only her 8th pro fight when she won the IBO world title at super featherweight and two fights later added the WBC strap to her collection. From 130 lbs to 154 lbs she’s proven time and time again that she is at the top-tier of women’s boxing. She’s moving down in weight for this fight with a plan of holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously.

Terri Harper and Sandy Ryan are both great fighters and regardless of who wins the match, it will not be an easy night for anyone involved.