Smith has long been regarded as one of British boxing’s leading prospects, but victory over Matias moved him onto the world stage and a successful first defence would strengthen his claim to be one of the best fighters in the division.
It could also open the door to much bigger fights. Shakur Stevenson holds the WBO title, while Russell is the WBA champion. The IBF title is vacant.
There is also a domestic rivalry developing with unbeaten Londoner Adam Azim.
Azim is 15-0 and has been talked about as a future world champion, but Smith has, for now, moved ahead of him in terms of achievement by winning a recognised world title.
Should Azim reach that level, a future all-British world-title fight could become one of the biggest contests available to both men.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has previously talked about the prospect of Smith eventually headlining at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium if his profile continues to grow, while Smith has spoken about wanting to build the kind of travelling support Ricky Hatton enjoyed at his peak.
Beating a former champion of Puello’s quality on home soil would help show whether he can become one of British boxing’s headline names.
